ECO code: A42
Modern: Averbakh, Kotov, 5.Be3 e5
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 d6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 Nc6 5. Be3 e5. Black challenges White’s strong central presence immediately with ...e5, striking at the d4 pawn and aiming to undermine White’s grip on the center.
Characteristic of the move 5...e5: This pawn thrust is a thematic counterattack in many Modern Defense setups. It contests the center directly and invites tension in the position. Black seeks active counterplay rather than a purely defensive posture.
Attacking or defensive: White’s setup with Be3 supports a strong center and prepares for possible kingside attacking chances. Black’s ...e5 is an active move, signaling an intention to fight for the center and counterattack rather than passively defend. Therefore, White maintains an attacking stance focused on central and kingside space, while Black adopts a combative, counterattacking approach.
Center control: Both sides are heavily contesting the center. White initially gained spatial advantage with pawns on d4 and e4. Black’s ...e5 challenges this directly, aiming to equalize or destabilize White’s central control. The opening is very much about central tension and influence.
Overall, this line in the Modern Defense leads to dynamic play centered on fighting for the key central squares, with both sides having chances for active operations.
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: Averbakh, Kotov, 5.Be3 e5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white