1. e4, e5; 2. Nf3, Nf6
Petrov's Defense, leading to an open game with a symmetrical pawn structure. If white can't use his advantage in development to gain space and the initiative, a draw often results.
3. d4, exd4; 4. e5, Ne4, 5. Qxd4, d5; 6. exd6 e.p., Nd6; 7. Bd3, Nc6; 8. Qf4, g6; 9. Nc3, Bg7; 10. Be3, Be6; 11. 0-0
or 11. 0-0-0, Bc3= (11...0-0, 12. Bc5!)
11...Qf6!
Now black either relieves the pressure by trading queens, or gains a much-needed tempo if white retreats with 12. Qa4.
12. Qf6?!,
(12. Qa4! give white the edge.)
13...Bxf6; 13. Ng5!?
White tries to use his lead in development to try to gain the bishop pair and saddle black with a weak pawn.
13...0-0-0
Black gives up the bishop pair and weakens his pawn structure, but still maintains equality, as these factors are temporary. 13...Bd7 gives white the edge after 14. Nd5!
14. Nxe6White is better
14...fxe6; 15. Rfe1
Also possible is 15. Rde1, followed by Bc1 and Ne4, still with equality.
15... a6; 16. Bc5, Rhe8; 17. Rab1, Bg7?
(17...Ne5!=)
18. Ne4 White has the edge.
18...Nxe4; 19. Bxe4, Nd4; 20. c3, Nb5; 21. Bf3?!
(21. a4!?, followed by b4 and b5 to try to lines on the queenside for White, while maintaining pressure on the center, could be met by counterplay from Black's pieces. Now black gets to advance his e-pawn, making it more secure and gaining some space in the center.)
21...e5!?
White still has the edge.
22. Be3 Bf6; 23. Rbd1, Nd6; 24 Bd5, Nf5; 25. Bc5, Nd6
If 25...h5? 26. Be4 targets the Black kingside pawns.
26. g4!?