'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_4129_14251'%20x1='-1946.01'%20y1='-1020.38'%20x2='-1885.54'%20y2='1277.69'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%23DDD1F3'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DDD1F3'%20stop-opacity='0'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Modern Defence
The Modern Defence begins after 1.e4 g6. It is one of Black's most flexible replies to 1.e4, and can also be used against 1.d4, appealing to creative counter-attackers who invite White forward before striking back.
- For black
- Flexible
- Hypermodern
Written by:
The Essentials
- Early moves:
- 1.e4 g6, usually followed by ...Bg7 and ...d6
- Colour:
- Played by Black
- Style:
- Flexible, hypermodern
- Difficulty to learn:
- Moderate to high
- Named after:
- Its hypermodern approach to the centre, which became popular relatively late compared to many classical openings.
- Trivia:
- The Modern Defence is closely related to the Pirc Defence and includes wonderfully named branches such as the Monkey's Bum, the Norwegian Rat, Tiger's Modern, and the Hippopotamus Defence.
- Variations:
- Classic Modern, Averbakh, Austrian Attack, 150 Attack, Tiger's Modern, Gurgenidze System, Monkey's Bum, Norwegian Rat, Fischer's Attack, The Sniper
- Good for:
- BlitzRapidClassical
Best suited for rating
1000-2600
Known for this opening
Magnus Carlsen
%20(cropped)%20(cropped).jpg)
Hikaru Nakamura
Tiger Hillarp Persson
Levon Aronian
Why play the Modern Defence?
Because you are a counter-attacker who wants to lure the opponent forward before striking.
After 1.e4, Black replies with 1...g6 and prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g7. White is invited to build a large centre with e4 and d4, sometimes adding c4 or f4.
Black then tries to prove that White's impressive centre is also a target.
The Modern is a family of setups rather than one narrow opening. It can transpose to the Pirc, King's Indian, Sicilian-style structures, or even Hippopotamus formations.
The move order is flexible, which is both the opening's biggest strength and its biggest challenge.
White has many attractive choices, and that can become a practical problem if the player is used to memorised main lines.
There are real dangers. If Black plays too slowly, White's space advantage can become overwhelming.
The Modern Defence is perfect for players who dislike being predictable and enjoy flexible development, unusual pawn structures, and early independent thinking.
Try the Modern Defence yourself!
Why the Modern Defence is good with the:
Space grabber - White can build a large centre with e4 and d4, often adding c4 or f4.
Choice - White can play quietly, aggressively, positionally, or ambitiously.
Front foot - If White is quick and energetic, the attack can arrive before Black's counterplay.
Suited for - Players who enjoy space, big pawn centres, and the responsibility of controlling the board.
Why the Modern Defence is good with the white pieces
Space grabber - White can build a large centre with e4 and d4, often adding c4 or f4.
Choice - White can play quietly, aggressively, positionally, or ambitiously.
Front foot - If White is quick and energetic, the attack can arrive before Black's counterplay.
Suited for - Players who enjoy space, big pawn centres, and the responsibility of controlling the board.
Why the Modern Defence is good with the black pieces
Maximum flexibility - Black delays committing the central pawns and keeps many structures available.
Early surprise - The Modern is less common than the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann, or 1...e5.
Counter-striker - If White overextends, Black can hit back with ...c5, ...e5, ...d6, or queenside expansion.
Suited for - Creative players who enjoy move-order tricks, compact structures, and counter-attacking when the opponent least expects it.