Key ideas
- After 3.Nxe5, Black must first play 3...d6, and only then take on e4.
- Symmetrical structures and early exchanges are typical, which makes the Petrov a favourite drawing weapon at elite level.
Plans for White
Look for small, lasting advantages in development, and avoid simplifying too quickly.
Plans for Black
Mirror White's development, stay solid, and wait for White to overreach.
Watch out
3.Nxe5 Nxe4? 4.Qe2! and if 4...Nf6?? then 5.Nc6+ is a discovered check from the queen, and the knight on c6 wins Black's queen.