As white I used to try and play main lines in the petrov, but I got tired of working so hard and ending up with equality, so now I play Nc3 for a 4 knights, which I enjoy with either color.
I don't know how GMs feel about it, but for me there's plenty of opportunity to outplay your opponent (as either color) in the 4 knights.
But if the "new" main line of the petrov (I have no idea what it is) can give white an advantage, let me know, and maybe I'll try it out...
But considering the petrov's reputation, I somehow doubt it ![]()
I recently picked up the Petrov (or Petroff) as black against e4 and have been surprised in my first 10 - 15 games or so, I have NOT faced the main line OR new main line even 1 time. In fact, NO ONE HAS EVEN TAKEN MY e5 PAWN on MOVE 3.
Now I'm not the highest rated player, but I thought that at the 1700 level people would at least have something prepared through move 5 or so. Instead, I usually see 3. Nc3 or 3. Bc4, both of which essentially let black equalize or get a small edge right away.
At what rating level do you start to see players play some main lines against the Petrov?