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.
Russian Game: Modern Attack, Center Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3
This variation arises after White challenges Black's knight on e4 immediately with the bishop move to d3. The characteristic feature of 4. Bd3 is that White aims to quickly target Black’s centralized knight, putting immediate pressure on Black’s position and prompting Black to decide how to maintain the knight on e4.
From White’s perspective, this is an attacking move that aggressively contests the center and seeks to regain the pawn while developing actively. Black must respond carefully to avoid losing material or falling behind in development.
This line focuses strongly on controlling and attacking the center. White’s early d4 and Bd3 moves emphasize central dominance, aiming to exploit Black’s somewhat exposed knight on e4.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Center Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game: Modern Attack, Center Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.