ECO code: A40
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn: Modern
Moves: 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nf3
Description: This opening arises when Black responds to White's Queen's Pawn opening with a fianchetto setup, aiming to control the long diagonal with the bishop on g7. The move 1...g6 followed by ...Bg7 is characteristic of the Modern Defense, where Black allows White to occupy the center initially, planning to challenge it later with moves like ...d6 and ...e5 or ...c5.
Characteristic: The key feature of this setup is Black’s hypermodern approach — instead of occupying the center immediately, Black focuses on controlling it from a distance. White, meanwhile, develops naturally with 3. Nf3, supporting the center and preparing to castle.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening is generally attacking, as White holds central space and tries to maintain it. Black’s setup is more defensive and flexible, waiting to counterattack the center once White commits.
Center Control: White aims to maintain and build a strong presence in the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black focuses on attacking the center from the flanks rather than occupying it directly at the start.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn: Modern, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 17 - Move #7 white