Modern Defense
1.e4 g6
A defense for Black
Hypermodern: delay ...d5 and attack the centre from a distance.
Show me the opening
0 / 2 moves
The idea
Black fianchettoes the bishop to g7 without committing the d-pawn, allowing White to build a big centre and then counterattacking it. More flexible than the Pirc.
The plan
Develop the bishop to g7, delay ...d6 and allow White to overextend. Then counterattack with ...c5 or ...d5 when the moment is right. The bishop on g7 does the heavy lifting.
What to play next
After fianchettoing the bishop to g7, play ...d6 to secure the centre and ...a6 and ...b5 to expand on the queenside. The bishop goes to b7 to add pressure on the long diagonal. Castle when ready and prepare ...c5 to undermine White's centre from the side.
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 a6 5.Be2 b5 6.O-O Bb7
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 12 moves
One tip for beginners
The Modern is great for players who dislike heavy theory. Play ...g6, ...Bg7, and develop naturally - then look for the right moment to strike at White's centre.
What to watch out for
Don't let White build an unchallenged pawn centre with e4, d4, and c4. Prepare your counterattack early.
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