Philidor Defense: Your Black Chess Arsenal - C41 - Opening Theory

Demystifying the Philidor Defense
 A Treasure Trove of Resources for Black ♛
 

The Philidor Defense (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6) is a solid and strategic opening for Black, offering a comfortable alternative to the more theoretical Ruy Lopez.

While it may not be the flashiest opening, the Philidor provides Black with good chances for active piece play and a healthy pawn structure.

This comprehensive guide equips you with a wealth of FREE resources to master the Philidor Defense, regardless of your chess experience level.


Philidor Defense Wikipedia Page

The Philidor Defense (or Philidor's Defense) is a chess opening characterized by the moves:

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 d6

 
Philidor - Black Lion (Hanham ) Variation Page

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Books / Courses (Free)

• Short & Sweet: Philidor Defense - Free Chessable Course - 35 Trainable Lines w/ 2hrs Video  - GM Pepe Cuenca
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Black Lion - Free Chessable Course - 24 Trainable Lines w/1 hr Video - GM Simon Williams
  
  

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Philidor Defense Chess Articles

• Philidor Defence - Simplify Chess Opening Guide - This comprehensive guide explores each key move of the Philidor Defense, explaining the theory behind the four main variations.
  
  
• Chess Opening Basics: The Philidor Defense - Chessable Blog Opening Guide - Get a solid foundation in the Philidor Defense with this general opening explanation and exploration of its common variations.
  
  
• PHILIDOR DEFENSE: HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT - Pawn Break Guide - This article dives into strategic concepts and recommended approaches for Black players wielding the Philidor Defense.
  
  
• The Amazing Philidor Defense!  -   International Master Alberto Chueca offers a simplified perspective on the Philidor Defense, outlining key plans for Black.
  
  
• Lessons in Philidor's Defence  -  The Exeter Chess Club -  Provides a detailed opening guide for the Philidor Defense, suitable for players looking to expand their knowledge.
  
  
• Black Lion Defense: The Total Guide (Only For The Brave) - In-Depth Opening Guide - Chess Journal - For those seeking an in-depth exploration, this comprehensive guide delves into the history, theory, variations, general strategy, and step-by-step approach of the Black Lion, a dynamic sub-variation of the Philidor Defense.
  
  
• Understanding the Philidor Defense - IM Emmanuel Jimmenez - Blog post with 2/ analyzed games

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Philidor LiChess Studies

Lichess studies offer an interactive way to learn and practice the Philidor Defense. Test your understanding, explore key variations, and solidify your strategic concepts with these valuable resources:

• Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study (320 hearts) - Sourced from the respected "Modern Chess Openings" (15th Edition), this study breaks down the Philidor Defense into clear chapters, making it ideal for beginners.
  
  Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study - This user-created study focuses on providing easy-to-understand plans for Black against specific lines played by White.
  
  
• Philidor's Defense - 6 Chapter Study - This user-created study focuses on providing easy-to-understand plans for Black against specific lines played by White.
  
  
• The Philidor Defense (Benjamin Finegold) - 9 Chapter Study - Dive into a detailed analysis of the main lines, Exchange Variation, Shirov Gambit, and some sidelines with renowned chess author Benjamin Finegold.
  
  
• The Philidor Defense - 10 Chapter Study - This comprehensive study explores detailed variations with a few model games to illustrate key concepts.
  
  
• Philidor Defense with White - 6 Chapter Study -Simple w/ White players seeking insights into common responses to the Philidor Defense.
  
  
• Philidor Defense, Exchange Variation (White) - 9 Chapter Study - For those specializing in the Exchange Variation as White, this in-depth study offers a meticulous exploration of the main lines.
  
  
• The Black Lion - 4 Chapter Study (114 hearts) - Explore the Black Lion variation, a dynamic sub-line of the Philidor Defense, with a few model games for practical application.
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Game Databases

Delve into real Philidor Defense battles with these online databases, allowing you to witness how grandmasters and other players have handled this opening in practice: 

365Chess.com

• C41: Philidor's defence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6  -  16,570 Games  (Links to 27 Variations Here as well)
  
  
• Paul Morphy Philidor Games - 16 Game Collection (All Games where Morphy Played White)

ChessTempo.com

• Philidor Defense, General (C41) - 4162 Games

Chessgames.com

• Philidor Defense (C41) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 d6 - 9100 Games  
  
  

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Chess Puzzles

Test your tactical skills with puzzles specifically designed for the Philidor.

LiChess Philidor Defense Puzzles   - 16,000 Puzzles 
(LiChess Puzzle By Opening Page - Here) 1/3 Way down page is Philidor broken into 11 variations)

WTHarvey

Philidor Defense (ECO C41) - 25 Puzzles

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Philidor Defense Video Lessons

Philidor Defense Explained | Ultimate Beginner Guide to King Pawn Openings Part 1 - 18 min - Johnathan Schrantz - Part 1 covers Philidor's Defense and Damiano's Defense

Philidor Defense Lecture - 54 Min - IM Mark Esserman - Enjoy this lecture on the theory of the Philidor Defense which also includes the famous Opera Box Morphy game and Fischer vs. Benko 1963!

St.Louis Chess Club

• The Philidor #1: The Exchange | Chess Openings Explained - 57 Min - Nick Risko teaches all about the Exchange Variation of the Philidor Defense
• The Philidor #2: Hanham & Lion Variations | Chess Openings Explained - 58 Min - Nick Risko concludes his mini-series about the Philidor Defense, with this one specifically on the Hanham and Lion variations.

Black Lion Defense

• Simon Williams - The Black Lion - An aggressive version of the Philidor Defense - 18 Min - GM Simon Williams
  
  
• Learn the Black Lion Opening: In Five simple stages - 23 Min - GM Simon Williams - This video will teach you the five key things that you need to know in order to play a very exciting opening, The Black Lion.
• Chess Stream #74 Black Lion Q+A - 57 Min - GM Simon Williams - answering questions and demonstrating key ideas. The Black Lion is a response to 1.e4, aiming for an exciting, aggressive setup against the King’s Pawn opening. The host shares his journey of discovering the Black Lion and emphasizes its potential for launching a strong kingside attack.
  
  
• Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Black Lion Defense! - 20 Min - Chess Giant - Learn the concepts and plans and not theory.
  
  
• Chess Stream #43 Live Lesson with YayBjorn. A masterclass in the Black Lion! - 1.5hr

Fighting the Philidor

• How to BEAT the Philidor Defense - 8 Min - Chess Geek
  
  
• Dominate The Philidor Defense Like a GM! - GM Roman - 6 Min
  
  
• Chess For Beginners: Fischer & Kasparov learned from Morphy to Crush Philidor Defense! - 18 Min - IM Perunovic - International Master and FIDE Senior Trainer, Miodrag Perunovic, lectures about tips, tricks, and traps for you to exploit black's pieces in the Philidor Defense .
• How to Fight Against The Black Lion!! - 21 Min - IM Perunovic - discusses strategies to counter the Black Lion opening, a variation of the Philidor Defense, emphasizing the importance of controlling the center and light squares.
  
  
• How to WIN against the Philidor Defense - 27 Min - IM Alex Astaneh - n this video I will show you an aggressive, trendy system against the popular Philidor Defense.
• Philidor DEFENSE Power Play: 5 GAME-CHANGING Ideas in the Exchange Variation - 16 Min - GM Jose Gonzalez - (New 5/29/24)

Philidor Chess Traps

• No fear of Philidor Defense All Traps You Must know - 8 Min
• Dirty Chess Tricks 22 (Larobok Shock for Philidor/Black-Lion Defense) - 27 Min

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Philidor Game Videos w/Analysis

Master Class | Philidor Defence | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 31 Min

Understanding Positional Drawbacks | Philidor Defense | GM Naroditsky’s - 44 Min

Deconstructing The Philidor Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 28 Min

Philidor Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 20 Min

Standard Chess #193: IM Bartholomew vs. vperboy (Philidor Defense) - 39 Min - IM Bartholomew

GM Simon Williams (Black Lion Games)

• Longer Chess Games #52 The Black Lion Bites! - 30 Min
• Longer Games #11 Climbing the 2500 mountain... The Black Lion!
• Longer Chess Games #40 Climbing the 2500 mountain - The Black Lion in Action - 33 min 
• GM Chess Analysis #60 Lupulescu vs Williams. The Black Lion vs a 2600+ GM - 31 Min
• GM Analysis #14: Looking for an aggressive Opening to learn? Enter the Black Lion! - 27 Min

 

"The Philidor Defense is a game by its form, an art by its content and a science by the difficulty of gaining mastery in it." - Tigran Petrosian

 

Alekhine's Defense B02 - B05

 

Unlock the Secrets of the Alekhine's Defense:
Your Complete Resource Guide 

The Alekhine's Defense (1. e4 Nf6) is a dynamic and aggressive chess opening where Black challenges White's central control early on.

This unconventional approach can catch your opponents off guard and create excellent winning chances with a complex and unbalanced middlegame.

Ready to unlock the secrets of the Alekhine's Defense and surprise your opponents? Let's explore the resources!

Wikipedia Page

Bishops Bounty Alekhine's Defense - 4 Pawns Attack B03 Page

Page of resources on this variation.

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BOOKS (Free)

Internet Archive

Starting Out: Alekhine's Defence by John Cox  - 97 Page PDF

Alekhine Alert!: A Repertoire for Black against 1 e4 by Timothy Taylor  - 287 Page PDF

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Alekhine's Defense Chess Articles

Alekhine Defense: How to Play as White and Black  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide ( Very nice) - This comprehensive guide covers everything from strategic concepts and tactics to specific variations for both Black and White. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the defense and offers practical advice for all skill levels. (Great all-around resource)

The Alekhine's Defence  - Simplify Chess Guide - Another In-depth Guide To Learn this opening.

Alekhine’s Defense - Guide from IM Alberto Chueca - This article provides a quick start for Black players, focusing on the main line and core concepts behind the aggressive Alekhine approach. (Ideal for beginners who want to try the Alekhine quickly.

Alekhine's Defense: World Champion Openings - GM Bryan Smith - This in-depth guide explores the aggressive Alekhine's Defense (1...Nf6). Learn how to exploit White's space advantage and launch your own attacks, with historical examples and strategic insights.

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Alekhine's Defense LiChess Studies

Up your Alekhine's Defense with Interactive Lichess Studies!

• Alekhine's Defense: A Primer  - 10 Chapter Study  ( 100 hearts)
  
  
• The Alekhine's Defence   - 8 Chapter Study  (110 hearts)
  
  
• All lines in the Alekhine's Defense  -  55 Chapter Study
  
  
• Alekhine Defense Masterclass  - 19 Chapter Study  (Video study made for  Alekhine Defense Opening Masterclass  - 94 min )
  
  
• Alekhine Defence: The Fast Knight development! - FM Chris Dunworth - 16 Min

LISTUDY Alekhine Defense (Site Where Studies are put in and turned into Movetrainer Courses)

Alekhine's Defense   -  26 Chapters  (Can Learn and Practice all the Opening Moves here!)

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Game Databases

Chessgames.com

Alekhine's Defense (B02-B05)  - 12 Annotated Games
Alekhine Defense Sadler's Collections Plus  - 103 Games
Historically Important Alekhine's Defense Games  - 38 Games
Alekhine's Defense (B02-B05)  - 12,061 Games

365Chess.com

B02: Alekhine's defence 1. e4 Nf6  - 41,400 Games
B03: Alekhine's defence 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 - 22,610 Games
B04: Alekhine's defence, modern variation 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 - 13,000 Games
B05: Alekhine's defence, modern variation, 4...Bg4 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg4 - 5900 Games

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Alekhine's Defense Chess Puzzles

wtharvey.com

Alekhine's Defense (ECO B02)  - 8 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense (ECO B03)  - 7 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense, Modern (ECO B04)  - 9 Puzzles
Alekhine's Defense, Modern (ECO B05) - 13 Puzzles

LiChess Puzzle Page

Alekhine Defense -  6000+ Puzzles (Almost halfway down the Page -  w/ 13 Variations to pick from)

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Alekhine Defense Videos

Lessons

Alekhine Defense Opening Theory  - 6 Video Playlist  - Hanging Pawns
Alekhine's Defense  -  41 Video playlist  - Sibi Chess

Alekhine's Defense: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 50 Min - History, key strategies & famous games to understand this aggressive opening.

How to Play the Alekhine Defence | Grandmaster Repertoire - 22 Min - GM Mouthun - Grandmaster Repertoire on how to play the Alekhine with Black.

Alekhine's Defense - Concepts and Quick Theoretical Overview - 60 min - Tony Rotella - I give a brief overview of the history and lore of Alekhine's Defense, why you'd want to give it a punt as Black, as well as a quick tour of the main variations.

The Alekhine Defense ♟ – Play for a Win with Black! - GM Marian Petrov - 61 Min - dives deep into the Four Pawns Variation, showing Black how to exploit an aggressive pawn structure. (Ideal for players who want to learn a specific, sharp variation.)

Alekhine Defense Opening Masterclass  - 94 min - This comprehensive video covers all 14 variations and 6 gambits within the Alekhine Defense. (Best for those who want an exhaustive exploration of every line.)

Beat 1.e4 with Alekhine's Defense!!  -  34 min - IM David Fitzsimons - analyzes how World Champion Magnus Carlsen uses the Alekhine, discussing various strategies and lines. (Perfect for players who want to learn from a master.)

Play the Alekhine Defense ♟Chess Opening with GM Damian Lemos - 27 min -focuses on core concepts like counter-attacking and pawn structure, providing viewers with the tools to navigate the Alekhine's complexities. (Solid choice for players who want a strategic overview with variations.)

Alekhine Defense Traps and Tactics

• CHESS OPENING TRAP FOR BLACK- ALEKHINE DEFENCE  - 3 Min
• 6 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Alekhine's Defense - 16 min  GM Igor Smirnov
• Dirty Chess Tricks 29 (Axe The Alekhine)  - 26 Min
• Dirty Chess Tricks 67 (g6 Alekhine)  - 17 Min
• Dirty Chess Tricks 64 (Legal Trap in Alekhine) - 12 Min

Playing Against the Alekhine's Defense

Refute the Alekhine Defence / Exchange Variation / Full Repertoire! - 35 min -Master a complete repertoire against the Alekhine's Defense, focusing on the Exchange Variation. Learn "secret" strategies and White's most effective continuations.

Chess Training 
Learn a strong Exchange Variation repertoire for White against the Alekhine's Defense. This 3-part series explores main lines and sidelines after Black's ...cxd6 capture.

• Alekhine defense for White Part 1- Exchange variation with ...cxd6 - 12 Min - In this video-series we suggest the exchange variation for a white repertoire against the Alekhine defense. In this 1st part we will see the black sidelines after ...cxd6 (except the basic 9...e5 variation).
• Alekhine defense for White Part 2 - Exchange variation with ...cxd6 - 12 Min -  In this 2nd part we will see the main line after ...cxd6 with 9...e5 .
• Alekhine defense for White Part 3 - Exchange variation with ...exd6 - 24 min - In this 3rd part we will see the solid symmetrical line for Black ...exd6.
  

Chess Tips: Crush The Alekhine Defense!!  - 43 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -Master the Samisch Attack, a dynamic strategy to counter the Alekhine's Defense. IM Perunovic emphasizes controlling the center, exploiting weaknesses, and tactical opportunities for White.

Chess Openings: Crazy 2 Pawns Attack vs Alekhine Defense!! - 35 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic -  Explore the aggressive "Crazy 2 Pawns Attack" against the Alekhine's Defense. IM Perunovic showcases pawn sacrifices, tactical ideas, and strategies for gaining an advantage.

How to WIN against the Alekhine Defense  - 29 min  - IM Alex Astaneh -Learn winning strategies against the Alekhine's Defense! IM Astaneh emphasizes center control, development, and tactical ideas for White. He analyzes common mistakes and offers tricks like the h3 move and the d5 pawn sacrifice.

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Alekhine Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Alekhine Defense - 7 Video Playlist  - agadmantor   (Famous Games)

Alekhine's Defense Chess Games - 14 Video Playlist  - Chess w/ Suren

Alekhine's Defence - Chess Opening  - 111 Video playlist  - kingscrusher



Fighting Against the Alekhine's Defense | Classical Chess - 59 Min IM Rosen

GM Naroditsky
Master Class | Alekhine Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 26 Min
Master Class | Alekhine Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 21 Min
Master Class | Alekhine (The Better Scandi) | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 45 Min
Queenside Vs Kingside Castle!! | Alekhine's Defense | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 28 Min
Master Class | Alekhine's Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 20 Min
Four Pawns Attack | Alekhine's Defence | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 22 Min

Chess first of all teaches you to be objective - Alekhine

Reti Opening A04 - A09

 

Reti Opening Chess Resources

Wikipedia Page
The Réti Opening is a hypermodern chess opening whose "traditional" or "classic method" begins with the moves:

1. Nf3 d5   2. c4

BOOKS (Free)

Easy Guide to the Réti opening by Angus Dunnington -  130 Page PDF
The Modern Réti: An Anti-Slav Repertoire by Alexander Delchev - 216 Page PDF

Short & Sweet: The Réti  - FREE Chessable Course  - 22 Trainable Lines by IM Alkhatib 

Reti Opening Chess Articles

The Reti Opening: The Ultimate Chess Opening Guide -  Real Nice Guide from ichess.net  (Annotated Games, 3 Embedded Videos with over 1.5 hrs)
The Réti Opening  - another Guide by Simplify Chess, explains move by move
Réti Opening  - Guide by IM Alberto Cheuca

BLOGS

The Réti Opening: How to Play It as White and Black - Nice Guide on Chessable Blog

Nakamura's Secret Weapon Against the Réti Opening - Introduction (Part 1) - LiChess Blog Post
Nakamura's Secret Weapon Against the Réti Opening - The Ideal Center (Part 2) - LiChess Blog Post

Reti LICHESS Studies

The Reti Opening  -  23 Chapters  (296 Hearts)
COMPLETE GUIDE ON THE RETI - 16 Chapters   (63 Hearts)
RETI OPENING - 1.Nf3 - 10 Chapter Guide  (514 Hearts)
The Butcher Beats the Reti  -  10 Chapter Study (Playing against the Reti)

LiStudy  

Use Listudy to better memorize openings.
Play against your opening repertoire and learn them playfully and with scientifically effective methods.
Reti Studies- Mainline Variations  -  12 Lines to Practice and 3 Model games
Zukertort/Reti Opening Variations - 11 Lines to Practice

GAMES Databases

365Chess.com

A04: Reti opening 1. Nf3  -  316,000 Games
A05: Reti opening 1. Nf3 Nf6  - 143,000 Games
A06: Reti opening 1. Nf3 d5  - 86,000 Games
A07: Reti, King's Indian attack (Barcza system) 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 - 34,000 Games
A08: Reti, King's Indian attack 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2  - 3800 Games
A09: Reti opening 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4  - 19,500 Games

Chessgames.com

Reti Opening (A04-A06) - 80 Annotated Games
King's Indian Attack (A07) - 65 Annotated Games
King's Indian Attack (A08)  - 2 Annotated Games  
Reti Opening (A09)     - 7 Annotated games

Chess PUZZLES

Reti Opening, King's Indian Attack (ECO A07) -  14 Puzzles wtharvey.com

Reti Opening Video Lessons

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #12 - Reti Opening  - 1hr 45 min  Great Video
Réti Opening: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 50 Min  - GM Ben Finegold
Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Reti Opening / Reti Gambit!  - 16 Min Chess Giant
Reti Overview  - 14 Min   (Palm Beach Chess) NM Bryan Tillis

Reti Opening Mastermind with IM Milovan Ratkovic Part 1  - 24 Min

Reti Opening Mastermind with IM Milovan Ratkovic Part 2  - 25 Min

Reti Opening Masterclass: Typical Plans and Strategy for White - 27 Min IM Alex Banzea
Chess Opening: Reti Gambit  - 20 Min   thechesswebsite  (Way to mess with French defense Players)
Crush The French - The Reti Gambit! - 9 Min GM Denes Boros
Crush The French - The Reti Gambit II - 10 Min GM Denes Boros

Reti Chess Traps

Chess Opening Traps #10: Reti Opening Trap - 10 Min Kingcrusher
2 GMs fell for this trap in the Reti| Expert Aleksander Delchev speaks about his favourite opening - 21 Min

Reti Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Reti Opening  -  81 game Playlist  -  agadmator's Chess Channel
Reti - Chess Opening  - 60 Game Playlist  _ Kingcrusher   (Annotated famous games)
Reti Gambit - Chess Opening  - 16 game Playlist  - Kingcrusher   (Mostly Blitz games by him )
Reti  - 8 Game Playlist   - Chessbase india   (More Recent top level games)

Fischer Wins with the Reti | Kids' Class - GM Varuzhan Akobian  - 32 Min
Richard Réti & Judit Polgár Hypermodern Games | Games to Know by Heart - WGM Sabina Foisor -52 Min

100 Repertoires: Reti updates from my OTB tournament! - 33 Min - FM Nate Solon
( 4 Reti Games from His Tournament Win w/ Analysis )

IM John Bartholomew 

Standard Chess #6: DAG87001 vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 41 Min
Blitz Chess #392: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Carlo D'Amore (Reti Opening) - 18 Min
Blitz Chess #386: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Johann Echavarria (Reti Opening) - 16 min
Blitz Chess #180: FM Sagit vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 17 min
Blitz Chess #377: GM PROFESSORSMITH vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 25 min
Blitz Chess #410: IM Bartholomew vs. ansatsu (Reti Opening) - 13 Min
Blitz Chess #21: IM Pichot vs. IM Bartholomew (Reti Opening) - 9 Min

IM Greg Shahade

5 minute chess #47: Greg Shahade vs GM Emre Can - (Reti Opening) - 8 Min
5 minute chess #41: Greg Shahade vs IM Oleg Krivonosov - Reti Opening - 11 min
5 minute chess #49: Greg Shahade vs Z-Integrator (Reti Opening) - 12 Min
5 minute chess #74: IM Oleg Krivonosov vs IM Greg Shahade - Reti Opening - 9 Min

Updated London Page

 Just Cleaned Up , Organized, and Updated  The London Opening page on the Sidebar.

          - Added some New Guides and Articles
          - Added New Opening Lesson Video Playlist (From GM Aman Hambleton)
          - Added links to The Chessgames.com and 365Chess pages of London games
          - Added Some New Annotated game Videos  and 2 Playlists of  70+ Annotated Game Videos

          -  Added Highlighted Links To The Following Pages There Now
          -  Link  To Jobava London Opening Page 
          -  Link To Anti-London Page 

Petrov's Defense (Russian Defense) C42 - C43

 

Unveiling the Petrov's Defense:
 A Chess Bastion of Balance ♜

Petrov Wikipedia Page

The Petrov's Defense (also known as the Russian Defense) is a well-respected chess opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6) known for its solidity and rich strategic possibilities.

Classified under ECO codes C42 (for lines other than 3. Nxe5) and C43 (for the Classical Variation 3. Nxe5), the Petrov's Defense offers Black a balanced and flexible approach against 1.e4. Here are some reasons to consider the Petrov's Defense in your opening repertoire:

• Solid pawn structure: The Petrov's Defense leads to a well-developed pawn structure for Black, providing a strong foundation for strategic maneuvers.
• Dynamic counterplay: Despite its positional nature, the Petrov's Defense holds potential for dynamic counterplay and tactical opportunities.
• Adaptability to White's choices: The Petrov's Defense offers flexibility, allowing Black to adapt their strategy based on White's third move.

Whether you're a club player or a seasoned competitor, the Petrov's Defense is a rewarding choice for those seeking a reliable and strategically rich opening. Let's embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of the Petrov's Defense!

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Books & Courses (Free)

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: The Petroff - by IM Christof Sielecki   w/ 21 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Damiano Petroff - by FM Kamil Plichta w/23 Trainable Lines
  
  
• Petroff Defense: Cochrane Gambit - by NM ZukertortsGhost  w/11 Trainable Lines
  

Internet Archive

• Beating the Petroff by Vassilios Kotronias, Andreas Tzermiadianos - 244 page PDF

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Petrov Defense Chess Articles

• The Petroff Defense – A Complete Opening Guide For Black -This comprehensive guide, although archived, offers a wealth of information for Black players, featuring embedded videos, multiple LiChess studies with annotated games, and in-depth variations. (Archived)
  
  
• Petrov Defense - This user-friendly guide breaks down the Petrov's Defense move by move, explaining key concepts and covering the 3 main variations for Black.
  
  
• Petrov Defense: Opening Guide for White & Black -  Chessable Blog (Enormous Guide ) This extensive guide delves into the Petrov's Defense from both sides, providing a well-rounded understanding for players of all colors.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit: Adding Spice to the Petroff - Another Nice Article on the Chessable Blog - This article explores the Cochrane Gambit, a dynamic option for White within the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff: dependable or dangerous? - Chessbase Article -  This article analyzes 6 deeply annotated games and includes a 10-minute video, offering insights into the strategic implications of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• The Petroff Defense by GM Arun and GM Magesh - Article on Chess.com - This article by renowned GMs provides practical guidance with 3 analyzed games, making it a valuable resource for players seeking immediate improvement.

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Petrov Defense LiChess Studies

• Petrov's Defense/Russian Game -  15 Chapter Study - This in-depth study delves into variations, gambits, and illustrative games, providing a well-rounded understanding of the Petrov's Defense.
  
  
• Petrov's Defence, aka Russian Defence  - 60 Chapter Interactive Study  This interactive study offers a comprehensive exploration of all major variations, allowing you to test your understanding move by move.
  
  
• Petrov's Defense Study -- Part 1 - 51 Chapter Study - This in-depth study covers all the main lines, gambits, and model games (including 31 chapters dedicated to model games), providing a deep dive into the core concepts.
  
  
• Boden - Kieseritzky Gambit - 4 Chapter Study By IM Eric Rosen -This study explores this gambit, which can be seen as a reversed Stafford Gambit.
  
  
• Urusov Gambit - 7 Chapter Study - This study examines the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic gambit line for White.
  
  
• Cochrane Gambit - 11 Chapter Study - This study analyzes all the 5th move options Black can play in response to the Cochrane Gambit.
  
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Petrov Chess Puzzles

The Petrov's Defense may be known for its strategic depth, but tactical opportunities are abundant as well! Here's a strategic selection of resources to hone your tactical skills in the Petrov's Defense:

WTHarvey.com (30,000 Puzzles)

• Petrov Defense (ECO C42) - 18 Puzzles 
  
  
• Petrov, Modern Attack (ECO C43) - 11 Puzzles 
  
  

LiChess Opening Puzzles

Russian Game Puzzles - 19,834 Puzzles (Picks from All the Variations )

• Stafford Gambit - 4546 Puzzles
• Modern Attack  -  1612 Puzzles
• Damiano Variation - 656 Puzzles
• French Attack  - 233 Puzzles
• Karklins-Martinovsky Variation - 43 Puzzles
• Italian Variation  - 3943 Puzzles
• Classical Attack  - 894 Puzzles
• Cozio Attack  - 429 Puzzles
• Paulsen Attack - 101 Puzzles
• Three Knights Game - 3452 Puzzles
• Nimzowitsch Attack - 684 Puzzles
• Cochrane Gambit - 312 Puzzles
• Millennium Attack - 83 Puzzles

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Games Databases

365Chess.com

C42: Petrov's defence - 40,396 Games (Broken Down into 21 Variations)
C43: Petrov, modern (Steinitz) attack - 5757 Games (Broken Down into 7 Variations)

Vladimir Kramnik playing the Petrov Defense (C42) - 93 Games

Chessgames.com

COCHRANE GAMBIT - 31 game Collection

Petrov Defense (C42-C43)  - 32 Annotated Games

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Petrov Defense Video Chess Lessons

Petrov Defense Opening Theory - 7 VIDEO PLAYLIST - 2.5 hrs Hanging Pawns - This comprehensive playlist delves into the core concepts, variations, and strategic ideas behind the Petrov's Defense.

How to Play Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Best Chess Openings for Black - 28 Min - This beginner-friendly video introduces the Petrov's Defense, guiding you through main variations, potential traps, and illustrative games.

The Petroff Defense - Chess Openings by GM Damian Lemos - 32 Min -Lemos offers a foundational understanding of the Petrov's Defense, explaining opening moves, strategic plans, common traps, and theoretical developments.

Master Fabiano Caruana's Chess Opening 🎓 The Petroff Defense [Deep Dive] - 20 Min -Gain insights from a master! GM Lemos explores Caruana's preferred lines in the Petrov's Defense, including novelties, and analyzes instructive games to solidify your understanding.

Chess lesson # 35: Petrov Defense (Russian Defense) | Chess openings the right way - 15 min NM Ramirez -NM Ramirez provides a well-structured lesson on the Petrov's Defense, emphasizing key strategies, responses to various scenarios, and the importance of fighting for the initiative while keeping theory manageable.

Petrov Defense Chess Traps

• Bizarre Trap in the Petroff Defense - 15 Min IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• 5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Petrov Defense | Stafford gambit, Anand was tricked and more - 15 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• Chess traps 10 in the opening Russian defense game or Petrov defense Video for Beginners - 1 Min

Cochrane Gambit

• Chess Tips: Crush The Petroff Defense with The Awesome Cochrane Gambit!! - 50 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic -Learn how to counter the Petrov's Defense with the aggressive Cochrane Gambit. IM Perunovic showcases illustrative games featuring Grandmasters who have employed this gambit successfully.
  
  
• Get Cocky with the Cochrane Gambit | Chess Openings Explained - 54 Min St. Louis CC - This in-depth exploration by the St. Louis Chess Club delves into the gambit's strategic ideas, tactical puzzles, and critical games, highlighting its potential and inherent risks.
  
  
• The Cochrane Gambit | Opening Deep Dives - 83 Min IM David Pruess -offers a theoretical perspective on the Cochrane Gambit, followed by a deep analysis of high-level games featuring this dynamic opening variation.

Urusov Gambit

The Unbeatable Urusov Gambit - Chess Openings Explained - 49 Min St. Louis CC -  Intrigued by the Urusov Gambit? Jonathan Schrantz of the St. Louis Chess Club explains the gambit's key concepts and how it can lead to a quick victory if Black is unprepared.

Chess Openings: Smash 'em with The Urusov Gambit!! - 44 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic - provides a detailed analysis of the Urusov Gambit, a dynamic opening for White in the Petrov's Defense. He covers various responses for both sides, emphasizing development and tactical possibilities.

Petrov Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Petrov's Defense - 56 Video Playlist  - agadmantor's 
Petrov's Defence  - 48 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Petrov's defence (Petroff's defence aka Russian Game) - 17 Video playlist - kingscrusher

Standard Chess #239: IM Bartholomew vs. Neverness (Petroff Defense) - 39 Min

Carlsen STOMPS ☠️ Karpov's Petroff Defense (Magnus Carlsen vs Anatoly Karpov) - 13 Min

Kramnik vs. Caruana: Candidates 2018 | Strategy Session - GM Yasser Seirawan - 66 Min

Cochrane Gambit Games
USING ALL MY PAWNS TO ATTACK | Eric tries the COCHRANE GAMBIT - 7 Min GM Hansen
Just Wow! Topalov Goes For Cochrane Gambit Against Kramnik Himself - 8 Min
You Won't Believe Your EYES! The COCHRANE GAMBIT in Top Engine Level -Dragon vs Sf - TCEC 22 Finals - 18 Min
Magnus got Cocky with the COCHRANE GAMBIT! - Carlsen vs Yu Yangyi - Petrov Defense - 15 Min

"The Petroff Defense is not a shield, it's a springboard for counterattack." - Emanuel Lasker