A04–B27 Semi-open games

Modern Defense

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

Best for

Flexible counterattackers comfortable playing with less space at first.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

0 started · 0 mastered

01Modern DefenseB06 · 1 movenew02Modern DefenseB06 · 2 movesnew03Modern Defense: Fianchetto GambitB06 · 2 movesnew04Modern Defense: Norwegian DefenseB06 · 2 movesnew05Modern Defense: Lizard Defense, Pirc-Diemer GambitA40 · 3 movesnew

Browse all 39 lines

Open the catalogue only when you need a specific branch.

Semi-Averbakh Variation4 lines
Bishop Attack3 lines
Main line3 lines
Two Knights Variation3 lines
Lizard Defense2 lines
Mongredien Defense2 lines
Norwegian Defense2 lines
Anti-Modern1 lines
Averbakh System1 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Build a strong center with e4 and d4.
  2. 02 Develop before pushing the kingside pawns.
  3. 03 Use e5 when it gains time on a defender.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Pressure d4 with Bg7.
  2. 02 Choose ...d6, ...c5, or ...e5 as a timely challenge.
  3. 03 Avoid staying passive behind the fianchetto.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

d4 is the main target, g7 begins Black's pressure, and c5 is a common break.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Challenge White's center before development becomes cramped.
  • Keep the fianchetto bishop's diagonal open.