ECO code: B06
Modern Defense
Moves: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 d6
Characteristic: The Modern Defense is characterized by Black's hypermodern approach, allowing White to occupy the center early while Black plans to undermine and attack it later with pieces and pawns. Black fianchettoes the kingside bishop (usually with ...Bg7) to exert pressure on the central squares from a distance.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black's perspective, the Modern Defense is somewhat flexible but generally considered a solid, somewhat defensive setup that invites White to build a strong center, which Black will then challenge. White plays more aggressively by establishing a strong pawn center with e4 and d4.
Center Control: White immediately attacks and occupies the center with pawns on e4 and d4. Black does not contest the center directly at first but aims to counterattack it later, focusing on controlling the center with pieces rather than pawns.
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, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 37 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Modern to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.