Chessy
Petrov Defense Modern Attack: 4.exd5 — White's Small but Real Edge
Welcome to one of the sharpest ways to meet the Petrov. By playing 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 d5 4.exd5, you've dragged Black into an open, tactical battle. The engine assesses this as +0.62 — a clear edge for White. That means you are slightly better here, and with accurate play you can turn that small plus into a lasting advantage. Now Black has to choose how to recapture. The drill below will test your ability to punish the wrong ones and exploit the position. Let's see what the statistics reveal.
Play the Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack: d5 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play white, the engine adapts to your level.
Ready to test your skills? Jump into the interactive drill below and practice punishing Black's mistakes. Create a free account to track your progress and see a
Create a free account →The Critical Decision: Which Pawn Do You Capture?
Black just played ...d5, and after 4.exd5 the central tension is gone. Now Black faces a choice: recapture with the knight, the queen, or the pawn? According to the engine, the only move that keeps Black in the game is 4...exd4 — taking back with the other pawn. This is the line you should prepare for as White. The engine's top continuation after that is 5.Bb5+ c6 6.dxc6, forcing further captures and leaving the position open. Black's other options (4...Nxd5, 4...Qxd5, 4...c6, or 4...Bg4) all give you better chances — sometimes much better.
What the Numbers Tell Us About Black's Choices
Over 26,560 games at this exact position, the overall results are excellent for White: 58.3% wins, 3.7% draws, and 38.1% Black wins. White scores heavily across all of Black's replies. Here's how Black's most-played moves perform from your perspective as White: - 4...exd4 (6,506 games): White scores 61.8% — strong but Black is still in the fight. - 4...Nxd5 (3,201 games): White scores a massive 64.8%. This is a common inaccuracy. - 4...Qxd5 (5,751 games): White scores 56.1% — decent but Black can hold. - 4...c6 (431 games): White scores 65.0% — a serious mistake. - 4...Bg4 (400 games): White scores 63.8% — another clear mistake. The pattern is clear: the vast majority of Black's alternatives to 4...exd4 give you a substantial edge.
Three Mistakes Black Makes (and How to Punish Them)
The engine identifies three Black moves as genuine errors in this position, each making your life easier: - 4...Nxd5 — An inaccuracy that loses roughly 0.6 pawns. Black develops the knight to a central square, but the knight is exposed and can be harassed. The engine says Black should have played 4...exd4 instead. - 4...c6 — A mistake costing Black about 1.0 pawns. Black tries to avoid the central tension with a passive move, but this lets you seize space and tempo. - 4...Bg4 — Also a mistake, losing about 1.1 pawns. Pinning your knight looks active, but it's too loose when the centre is still unresolved. In all three cases, your job is simple: play accurately, develop naturally, and enjoy the pressure. The drill will show you the engine's punishing reply to each.
Your Game Plan After 4...exd4 (Black's Best Try)
If Black finds the best move 4...exd4, the engine recommends 5.Bb5+. This check disrupts Black's coordination: Black must block with 5...c6, and then you capture 6.dxc6. After that, Black can recapture with the knight or queen, and you'll have a lead in development and a slight space advantage. The position is open, so piece activity matters more than pawn structure. Keep these principles in mind: develop your pieces quickly, castle early, and target the weak d4-pawn if Black leaves it hanging. Your small edge (+0.62) is real but requires patience — don't over-press.
Results across 26,560 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e4 | 8,821 | 52.9% |
| exd4 | 6,506 | 61.8% |
| Qxd5 | 5,751 | 56.1% |
| Nxd5 | 3,201 | 64.8% |
| c6 | 431 | 65.0% |
| Bg4 | 400 | 63.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is 4.exd5 the best move in the Petrov Modern Attack?
Yes, 4.exd5 is the engine's top choice and the most ambitious way to play the position. It breaks the symmetry, opens the centre, and gives White a slight edge (+0.62). The statistics back this up: across 26,560 games, White scores 58.3% from this position.
What is the most common Black move after 4.exd5?
The most popular reply is 4...exd4 (8,821 games), capturing towards the centre. However, the engine considers this Black's best move, so you should be ready for it. The engine recommends 5.Bb5+ to keep the pressure on.
What should I do if Black plays 4...Nxd5?
4...Nxd5 is an inaccuracy that loses about 0.6 pawns. White scores 64.8% from this position, so you can play confidently. Develop with tempo, attack the knight, and enjoy your lead in activity. The drill will show you the precise continuation.
Why is 4...c6 a mistake for Black?
4...c6 loses roughly one full pawn according to the engine. It's a passive move that doesn't contest the centre or develop a piece. White scores 65.0% after it — one of the highest win rates against any Black reply. Simply continue developing and you'll have a clear advantage.
How many games feature the Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack: d5?
Over 26K Lichess games have reached the Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack: d5 position. White wins 58.3%, Black wins 38.1%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.