Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Symmetrical Variation: what should White play?

In the Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Symmetrical Variation, White faces an open center with dynamic piece-play opportunities. The engine's highest-evaluated option is Bb5+ (+0.52), which develops with tempo, while the vast majority of recorded games opt for the central recapture Qxd4 (+0.40). Choosing between these moves depends on whether White prefers an active initiative or an immediate restoration of material equality in the center.

The Tactical Point of Bb5+

Although played in only 4.4% of games (2.3K recorded), Bb5+ disrupts Black's coordination by delivering an immediate check. In the illustrative engine sequence Bb5+ Bd7 Nxd4 Bxb5 Nxb5 a6, White extracts Black's light-squared bishop, recovers the d4 pawn with the knight, and establishes a firm outpost on b5. This line secures a modest positional edge without allowing Black an effortless setup.

The Popular Recaptures: Qxd4 and Nxd4

The primary choice in practice is Qxd4, seen in 52.1% of games (28K recorded). It immediately levels material while challenging the d5 pawn. Following Qxd4 Qxd5 Nc3 Qxd4 Nxd4 Bc5, early queen exchanges transition the game into a balanced endgame where White develops smoothly. Alternatively, Nxd4 attracts 24.3% of games (13K recorded, evaluated at +0.30), entering lines such as Nxd4 Nxd5 Bc4 Nb6 Bd3 Be7, which avoids an immediate queen trade while keeping tension in the center.

Minor Continuations

White can also defer central captures with Bc4 (+0.21, chosen in 12.3% of games), which leads to sharp play after Bc4 Bb4+ c3 Qe7+ Be2 dxc3. Lastly, c4 represents a slower approach (+0.08, 7.0% of games), where c4 Bb4+ Bd2 Bxd2+ Nbxd2 O-O allows Black comfortable piece development and kingside castling.