The Modern Defense: Two Knights Variation, Suttles Variation reaches a named position after 4 moves: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 c6 4. Nf3 d6
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
- Pressure d4 with Bg7.
- Choose ...d6, ...c5, or ...e5 as a timely challenge.
- Avoid staying passive behind the fianchetto.
Position details
This line branches from Modern Defense: Standard Line with c6.
rnbqk1nr/pp1pppbp/2p3p1/8/3PP3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 4