ECO code: A41
Modern Defense
Moves: 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6
The Modern Defense is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to occupy the center early with pawns, while Black plans to challenge and undermine that center later from a distance. The characteristic move ...g6 and ...Bg7 fianchetto the bishop, exerting long-range pressure on the central dark squares.
From Black's perspective, this opening is primarily defensive and flexible, delaying direct confrontation and focusing on piece development and control of key squares. White, on the other hand, aims for a central space advantage and can adopt an attacking stance by maintaining strong central pawns.
The Modern Defense does not immediately contest the center with pawns but rather targets it indirectly with pieces, especially the bishop on g7. Thus, it is considered a hypermodern approach that challenges the center from a distance rather than occupying it directly.
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 Modern Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 17 - Move #8 white