ECO code: B06
Modern Defense: Mongredien Defense, with Nf3
Moves: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nf3 b6
This variation of the Modern Defense features Black fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop with ...Bg7 early on, while preparing to challenge the center from the flanks rather than occupying it immediately. The move ...b6 is characteristic of the Mongredien Defense, aiming to develop the queen's bishop to b7 and exert pressure along the long diagonal.
Characteristic: The Mongredien Defense is a hypermodern approach where Black allows White to build a strong pawn center initially but plans to undermine and attack it from a distance. The move ...b6 supports this strategy by preparing ...Bb7.
From White’s perspective, the setup with Nf3 supports central control and kingside development, maintaining an active and flexible position. White typically adopts a more classical, center-attacking stance.
Attacking or Defensive? For Black, this opening is more defensive and positional, focusing on counterattacking the center rather than occupying it immediately. White plays more actively, aiming to control and occupy the center with pawns and pieces.
Center Control: White clearly aims to control the center (with pawns on e4 and d4), while Black delays direct confrontation, opting instead to pressure the center indirectly with fianchettoed bishops and flank pawn moves.
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: Mongredien Defense, with Nf3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black