ECO code: A42
Opening Name: Modern Defense: Averbakh-Kotov Variation, 5.Be3 e5 6.d5 Nce7
Moves: 1. d4 d6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 Nc6 5. Be3 e5 6. d5 Nce7
Description: In this line of the Modern Defense, Black adopts a flexible and hypermodern approach, allowing White to build a strong pawn center with e4 and d4. White’s move 5.Be3 supports central control and prepares for queenside expansion, while Black’s 5...e5 challenges White’s center directly. After 6.d5, White gains space and pushes Black’s knight back. Black’s response 6...Nce7 is characteristic for repositioning the knight to support central and kingside defense, often preparing for ...f5 or ...f6 to undermine White’s center.
Characteristic of 6...Nce7: This move is a strategic redeployment of the knight to a more stable and flexible square, avoiding exchanges and maintaining tension in the center. It signals Black’s intention to counterattack the center later rather than immediate confrontation.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, the setup is generally attacking, as White holds space and central control and aims to restrict Black’s piece activity. Black’s play is more reactive and defensive here, focusing on undermining White’s center and seeking counterplay rather than immediate aggression.
Center Control: This opening strongly involves the center. White establishes a broad pawn center with pawns on d5 and e4, while Black challenges and contests it actively with ...e5 and piece maneuvers. Control and contest of the center is a key theme in this variation.
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 6.d5 Nce7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white