At what rating level do players start to play main lines of Petrov?

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Avatar of PanchoPippin

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?

Avatar of llama

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 happy.png

Avatar of ThrillerFan

Taking the pawn is not the only main line!

 

I am over 2000 over the board and I do not play 3.Nxe5 any more.  I play 3.d4!

Avatar of keep1teasy

Nobody plays the mainline of Petrov because nobody likes playing the white side of the Petrov lmao

Avatar of keep1teasy
ThrillerFan wrote:

Taking the pawn is not the only main line!

 

I am over 2000 over the board and I do not play 3.Nxe5 any more.  I play 3.d4!

That's what I play 

If possible I try to transpose into the ursurov gambit (arising from Bishops opening) but it's never happened unfortunately.

Avatar of DrSpudnik

The endless search for the magic opening continues...

Avatar of PanchoPippin
ThrillerFan wrote:

Taking the pawn is not the only main line!

 

I am over 2000 over the board and I do not play 3.Nxe5 any more.  I play 3.d4!

Yes this is what I plan to play as white but have not seen it yet either. Just surprising that majority of moves I have seen (3. Bc4, or 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bc4) give black a slight edge but so early.

Avatar of JGambit

There is an story about people crowding around the board of a GM to see how he would crush the mighty Petrov. The GM plays d3 after Nf6 and proceeds to trounce the Petrov player in under 30 moves.

There are a lot of ways for white to have decent play, Honestly I don't see many players that really go for the IQP position that the "Main line" calls for.