Modern Defense

In algebraic notation, g6 means column g and row 6. The Modern Defense commonly begins with g6 against the advance of White's pawn in front of the king. Black prepares a fianchetto: the g-pawn moves so the bishop from f8 can come to g7, where it works along a long diagonal toward the center and the side where the queen starts, called the queenside.

The Modern prepares the bishop and allows a broad center

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

h8

g

f

e

d

c

b

a

Startg6d4Bg7

...g6 followed by ...Bg7 forms one fianchetto plan: clear g7 and activate the f8-bishop there.

Black chooses distant influence instead of immediate occupation

After 1.e4, the Modern does not place a Black pawn in the center yet.

1. ...g6 followed by ...Bg7 forms one fianchetto plan: clear g7 and activate the f8-bishop there.

It is a hypermodern opening, meaning that Black does not try to occupy the center immediately with pawns. White is allowed to place pawns on e4 and d4 and control more central squares. Black then attacks that center with the g7-bishop and advances such as c5 or e5. Pawn advances that make contact with opposing pawns are called pawn breaks; they try to open lines or force exchanges.

Flexibility requires choosing how to attack the center

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

h8

g

f

e

d

c

b

a

The bishop pressures d4 from g7, although pieces on f6 or e5 can temporarily change that diagonal.

...c5 and ...e5 are alternative breaks, not an automatic recipe

Black has prepared d6 and the fianchetto but must still decide how to coordinate pawns and pieces.

1. The bishop pressures d4 from g7, although pieces on f6 or e5 can temporarily change that diagonal.
2. ...c5 attacks d4 from the queenside. The advance and its contact with the center form one pawn break.
3. ...e5 also attacks d4, but occupies e5 and creates a different structure. It must be evaluated separately from ...c5.
4. ...Nf6 would pressure e4 and move the position toward a Pirc; the Modern keeps the option to delay it.

Flexibility is both the opening's attraction and its danger. Black can choose among several move orders, but waiting too long to challenge the center gives White more territory and time to organize an attack. The Pirc Defense shares many positions, but it normally moves the g8-knight to f6 early; the Modern often delays that decision.