B06 Semi-open games 1 move

Modern Defense

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

Guided lesson

Modern Defense

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

Learn the move order

B06You move both sides from Black's view.

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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 2
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Move sequence

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#WhiteBlack
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Study the whole opening Plans and variations for Modern Defense

The Modern Defense reaches a named position after 1 move: 1. e4 g6

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

The defining move is g6.

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Continue studying

Add one nearby branch

Browse every Modern Defense line