A40 Flank openings 3 moves Variation of Modern Defense

Modern Defense: Lizard Defense, Pirc-Diemer Gambit

Study the move order, practice it from your side, then choose the next branch that fits your repertoire.

Guided lesson

Modern Defense: Lizard Defense, Pirc-Diemer Gambit

Your side
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
h8
g
f
e
d
c
b
a

Learn the move order

A40You move both sides from Black's view.

new

Follow the highlighted move, then make it on the board.

How this works

Lesson shows every move and lets you replay the full line.

Practice hides future moves and tests only your selected side.

Plan: Black fianchettos the king bishop and delays the central pawn choice until White reveals a setup.

Step 1 of 5
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Move sequence

0/5
#WhiteBlack
1.
2.
3.
Study the whole opening Plans and variations for Modern Defense

The Modern Defense: Lizard Defense, Pirc-Diemer Gambit reaches a named position after 3 moves: 1. d4 g6 2. h4 Nf6 3. h5

In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.

If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.

The idea behind this line

Black fianchettos the king bishop and delays the central pawn choice until White reveals a setup.

What to look for

  • Build a strong center with e4 and d4.
  • Develop before pushing the kingside pawns.
  • Use e5 when it gains time on a defender.
Position details

The defining move is h5.

rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/7P/3P4/8/PPP1PPP1/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - 0 3

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