user1656: The Petrov or Russian opening is seldom seen these days:
[fen ""]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6

Why? Is it fully refuted? Or merely uncomfortable for Black?

user17: What's "wrong" with the Petroff is that it is "boring," and associated with playing to draw, because it is somewhat symmetrical.
Most people, even Black, like to play to win, and when they do, their choice is "sharper" Sicilian, or French, or even certain variations of the Ruy.
I remember people using it in my high school days (forty years ago) when they were ahead in the tournament, and just wanted to finish with a good score.

user291: There is nothing wrong with the Petroff and it is still used regularly at the highest levels. If it is less popular than it used to be (and I'd have to check the data before claiming that), then that would likely be because it is usually played when Black is trying to make a draw, and these days the Berlin variation of the Ruy Lopez is the most popular way to try to achieve a draw against 1.e4.

1656: <p>The Petrov or Russian opening is seldom seen these days:</p>

<pre><code>[fen ""]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
</code></pre>

<p>Why? Is it fully refuted? Or merely uncomfortable for Black?</p>
 17: <p>What's "wrong" with the Petroff is that it is "boring," and associated with playing to draw, because it is somewhat symmetrical.</p>

<p>Most people, even Black, like to play to win, and when they do, their choice is "sharper" Sicilian, or French, or even certain variations of the Ruy.</p>

<p>I remember people using it in my high school days (forty years ago) when they were ahead in the tournament, and just wanted to finish with a good score.</p>
 291: <p>There is nothing wrong with the Petroff and it is still used regularly at the highest levels. If it is less popular than it used to be (and I'd have to check the data before claiming that), then that would likely be because it is usually played when Black is trying to make a draw, and these days the Berlin variation of the Ruy Lopez is the most popular way to try to achieve a draw against 1.e4.</p>
