Modern Defense

The idea

The Modern is close to the Pirc, but Black holds back ...Nf6. That keeps e4 free from attack for a while, and it means White cannot easily aim at a knight with e5. In return Black can choose later between ...d6 with ...Nf6, a ...c6 and ...d5 setup, or quick queenside play with ...a6 and ...b5.

White usually takes the center with d4, Nc3 and often Be3, Qd2 and f3, aiming for a kingside attack. Black's plan is to hit the center with ...c5 or ...e5 once White has committed. This page also covers related lines that start 1.d4 g6.

Very flexible and a little provocative. Black gives White the center and space and relies on timing. Move orders matter more than memorized lines.

Players who like unusual positions and want one setup that works against many White openings. It suits those who understand ideas better than theory.

Do not get too slow. If you spend many moves on the queenside while White castles and attacks, your king can come under fire quickly.

The main line, move by move

1. 1.e4 · White takes the center with the king's pawn, opening lines for the queen and the bishop on f1. It is the most direct first move.
2. 1...g6 · The Modern Defense: Black lets White take the center and plans to hit it from the side with a bishop on g7 and later ...c5 or ...e5. The knight stays home for now to keep every option open.
3. 2.d4 · White takes the full center with two pawns, since Black allows it. The pawns on d4 and e4 control c5, d5, e5 and f5 and give White plenty of space.
4. 2...Bg7 · The bishop takes the long diagonal, where it presses on d4 and e5 and will be Black's best piece. Black's whole plan is built around keeping it active.
5. 3.Nc3 · White develops the knight to its best square, guarding e4 and watching d5. The next choice is White's: Be3 and Qd2 for an attack, f4 for the center, or a simple Nf3.
6. 3...d6 · Black guards e5, so if the knight comes to f6 the push e5 can be met by ...dxe5. The pawn also opens the way for the bishop on c8; with ...Nf6 next the game becomes a Pirc Defense.

Next moves in book

• 2.Nc3 · Pterodactyl Defense: Austrian, Grand Prix Pterodactyl
• 2.d4
• 2.Bc4
• 2.Nf3 · Pterodactyl Defense: Western, Siroccopteryx

Related openings

• Sicilian Defense B20–B99 · 327 named lines
• French Defense C00–C19 · 171 named lines
• Caro-Kann Defense B10–B19 · 92 named lines
• Alekhine Defense B02–B05 · 53 named lines