The Modern Defense is a chess opening played by Black in response to 1.e4, and is characterized by the moves 1.e4 g6. The idea behind the opening is to control the center of the board from a distance, rather than occupying it with pawns, which is the traditional approach. Black’s pawn on g6 is designed to support the development of the bishop on g7, which is aimed towards the long diagonal, putting pressure on White’s center. The Modern Defense can transpose into other openings, such as the Pirc Defense or the King’s Indian Defense, depending on White’s response.

One of the main advantages of the Modern Defense is its flexibility. By delaying the development of the knight on b8 and the pawn on d7, Black has more options for their deployment. The bishop on g7 is a strong attacking piece, often used to put pressure on White’s pawn structure, and can be supported by the pawn on d6 or by advancing the pawn to d5. Additionally, Black has the option of castling on either side of the board, depending on the game situation.

The Modern Defense was first played in the 1920s and 1930s, but it was not widely used until the 1960s and 1970s, when it became popular among strong players such as Mikhail Tal and Viktor Korchnoi. In modern times, it remains a popular choice for players who prefer a dynamic and unbalanced game, and who are comfortable with the asymmetrical pawn structure that often arises from this opening. While the Modern Defense is not without its weaknesses, such as the potential for an attack on the king side, it remains a viable and interesting opening for Black to play.

Variations

1. Averbakh System

The Averbakh System is a popular variation of the Modern Defense that arises after the moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Be3. The variation is named after the Soviet grandmaster Yuri Averbakh, who played it frequently in the 1950s and 60s. In the Averbakh System, Black typically aims to control the central squares with pawns and pieces, while delaying or avoiding the development of the kingside knight.

One of the key ideas behind the Averbakh System is for Black to avoid playing …Nf6 too early, as the knight can come under attack from White’s pawn and bishop. Instead, Black often plays …Ng8-f6 later, after supporting the e6-pawn with moves like …Qc7 and …Rad8. Black may also consider pawn breaks like …c5 or …f5 to challenge White’s control over the center.

The Averbakh System can lead to complex and dynamic positions, with both sides having chances to attack and defend. White has various options to try to seize the initiative, such as pushing the f-pawn or playing Qd2 and castling queenside, while Black has ideas of …h5-h4 and …Nh5 to attack on the kingside. The variation has been played at the highest levels of chess and is a solid choice for Black against 1.e4.

2. Pseudo-Averbakh System

The Pseudo-Averbakh System is a variation of the Modern Defense in chess that arises after the moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.e5 Nh5. It is so called because it shares some similarities with the Averbakh System, but there are some key differences.

In the Pseudo-Averbakh System, Black aims to control the e5 square with the knight on h5, while also preparing to castle kingside. White has two main options at this point: to play 4.Be2 or 4.Nc3. If White chooses 4.Be2, then Black can continue with 4…d6, putting pressure on White’s center and preparing to develop the light-squared bishop. Alternatively, Black can play 4…d5, which is a more solid approach that can lead to a Hedgehog-type position.

If White plays 4.Nc3, then Black has several options, including 4…Bg7, which is a flexible move that prepares to castle kingside and allows the light-squared bishop to develop to e6 or d7. Another option for Black is 4…c6, which prepares to develop the light-squared bishop to b7 and gain control of the a8-h1 diagonal.

Overall, the Pseudo-Averbakh System is a solid and flexible variation of the Modern Defense that allows Black to control the center and develop their pieces harmoniously. However, it requires careful attention to detail and precise move order, as it can easily transpose into other lines or variations.

3. Classical System

The Classical System of the Modern Defense is a popular line played by Black in response to 1.e4. After the moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6, Black prepares to castle kingside and establish a strong pawn structure. The opening is called the Modern Defense because it was introduced in the mid-twentieth century, when chess players were looking for new ways to combat the traditional open games. The Classical System is a solid and flexible choice for Black that can lead to a variety of different pawn structures and piece placements.

One of the key ideas of the Classical System is to delay playing …Nf6 in order to keep more options open. Black can choose to play …Nc6 and …e5 to counterattack in the center, or …Nd7 and …Nf8 to maneuver their knights to more active positions. White has a few different options for their own pawn structure, but one common idea is to play c4 and d5 to gain space and restrict Black’s pieces.

One downside of the Classical System is that it can be difficult to create active play for Black’s pieces, especially if White is able to control the center and restrict Black’s pawn breaks. However, if Black is able to weather the early storm, their position can become quite solid and difficult for White to break down.

4. Two Knights System

The Two Knights System of the Modern Defense in chess arises after the moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.e5 Ne4. It is a sharp line where both sides have their chances to play for the initiative.

After Black’s fourth move, the knight on f6 attacks the pawn on e5, and White has to decide how to protect it. The most popular move is 5.Nxe4 dxe4, where Black voluntarily gives up the center pawn but gets active piece play and open lines. However, White can also try 5.Nge2 intending to follow up with f3 and g4, known as the Fianchetto System. Another option for White is 5.Nce2, which is known as the Botvinnik System, where the knight on e2 protects the pawn on d4 and prepares for a kingside attack.

In the Two Knights System, Black can choose to play either 5…Bg7 or 5…c5. The move 5…Bg7 aims to complete Black’s development, castling kingside and putting pressure on the pawn on e5. The move 5…c5 aims to gain control over the center by attacking the pawn on d4. White has several options in response to 5…c5, including 6.dxc5, 6.Nf3, and 6.d5. Each of these moves has its own merits and drawbacks, and the resulting positions can lead to sharp and tactical play.

Overall, the Two Knights System of the Modern Defense is a dynamic and tactical opening that provides both sides with opportunities for creative play. Black aims to use the active placement of their pieces to attack White’s center and gain control of the board, while White aims to use their superior pawn structure and development to launch a successful kingside attack. The resulting positions are often double-edged and require careful calculation and strategy from both players.

5. Gurgenidze System

The Gurgenidze System of the Modern Defense is a relatively uncommon but interesting variation that arises after the moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.f4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.Be3. This variation was named after the Georgian chess player Giorgi Gurgenidze, who frequently employed it in his games.

The main idea behind this system is to create a pawn center with e4 and f4 and put pressure on Black’s position. The move 6.Be3 aims to support the pawn on d4 and prepare for a possible kingside attack. Black has several options at this point, but the most common response is 6…e5, which aims to undermine White’s center. After 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8+ Rxd8, Black has a symmetrical pawn structure, but the bishop on g7 is not blocked in by its own pawns as it would be in some other Modern Defense variations.

Another interesting option for Black is 6…Ng4, which pins the knight on c3 and aims to exchange it for the bishop on e3. This move can be quite annoying for White, as it forces them to choose between giving up the bishop pair or allowing the knight to occupy a strong central square on e3. Overall, the Gurgenidze System is a dynamic and aggressive variation that can lead to sharp and tactical play for both sides.

6. Hedgehog System

The Hedgehog System is a popular setup in the Modern Defense that is characterized by black pawns on a6, b6, d6, and e6, resembling the spines of a hedgehog. This formation helps to control the center and limit white’s attacking possibilities. It can arise from various move orders, but typically involves playing d6 and g6 to support a fianchetto of the bishop on g7.

In the Hedgehog System, black usually delays the development of their knights and keeps their options open. The pieces are placed in a flexible manner, waiting for white to reveal their intentions before committing to a specific plan. Black can counter white’s attempts to gain space in the center by playing moves like b6, a6, c5, and e5. The Hedgehog also allows black to launch counterattacks on the wings, which can be dangerous for white if they are not prepared.

One of the key ideas in the Hedgehog System is to create a pawn chain that limits white’s attacking options while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the changing position. Black aims to keep control of the central squares and wait for the right moment to strike back. The Hedgehog can be a tricky system to play, as it requires patience and precise timing, but it can be very effective in frustrating white’s plans and generating counterplay.

7. King’s Indian Attack System

The King’s Indian Attack (KIA) (not to be confused with the King’s Indian Defense) is a flexible opening system that can be played against many different defenses, including the Modern Defense. In this system, White plays d3, e4, Nd2, Ngf3, g3, Bg2, and 0-0, and then develops the other pieces according to the needs of the position. The KIA is known for its positional flexibility and its ability to create attacking opportunities on either flank of the board. It is especially effective against the Modern Defense, which often leads to closed positions with many pawn structures, where the KIA can use its flexibility to find weaknesses and create breakthroughs.

In the KIA system against the Modern Defense, Black typically plays d6 and g6, followed by developing the bishop to g7 and the knight to f6. Black’s position is designed to be solid and flexible, allowing for counterattacks on either flank of the board. White typically tries to control the center with pawns on e4 and d3, and uses the knight on d2 to support the pawn on e4 and prepare the advance c2-c4. The bishop on g2 is aimed at Black’s king’s side, while the pawn on g3 and the knight on g3 are designed to control the f5 square, preventing Black from attacking White’s center with …f5.

The KIA system against the Modern Defense can lead to a variety of different pawn structures, depending on how both sides choose to play. The key to success with the KIA is to maintain flexibility and be prepared to switch plans depending on how the position develops. White should be patient and look for opportunities to create weaknesses in Black’s position, while Black should be prepared to defend carefully and look for chances to counterattack.

8. Modern-Pirc Hybrid System

The Modern-Pirc Hybrid System is a variation of the Modern Defense in chess that combines ideas from both the Modern Defense and the Pirc Defense. The opening move order for this system is 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6. This move order allows Black to avoid some of the more critical lines of the Pirc Defense, while still maintaining the flexibility and dynamic potential of the Modern Defense.

In this variation, Black usually continues with moves like 4.Be2 Bg7 5.g4 or 4.h4 h5, aiming to gain space on the kingside and create potential attacking chances. White can respond with 4.Nf3, aiming to control the center, or 4.Bg5, putting pressure on Black’s knight and preparing to castle queenside.

One potential drawback of the Modern-Pirc Hybrid System is that it can be somewhat passive compared to other variations of the Modern Defense. Black’s early pawn moves can lead to a lack of piece development, which can make it difficult to generate counterplay. However, the flexible nature of the opening means that Black can adapt to a wide range of positions and playstyles, making it a popular choice for players who like to play dynamically and take risks.

9. Owen’s Defense System

The Owen’s Defense System is a line in the Modern Defense that begins with 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6. The idea behind this opening is to develop the pieces quickly, control the center, and create counterplay on the queenside. This system was named after British chess player John Owen, who popularized it in the early 20th century.

After 4.Be3, the most common move in this line, Black usually plays 4…Nf6, preparing to castle kingside and put pressure on the e4-pawn. If White plays 5.Qd2, Black can respond with 5…c6, with the idea of creating a strong pawn chain on the queenside with b5 and a5. Black can also play 5…O-O, with the intention of attacking on the kingside with h5 and g5.

One of the drawbacks of the Owen’s Defense System is that Black’s pawn structure can become weak if White manages to create a strong pawn center with e4 and d4. However, Black can use the half-open f-file to create counterplay against White’s king if White castles kingside. The Owen’s Defense System is an interesting and flexible opening that can lead to dynamic and tactical games.

10. Robatsch (aka. Modern) Defense System.

The Robatsch Defense, also known as the Modern Defense, is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 g6. It is named after Karl Robatsch, an Austrian chess player who popularized it in the 1960s. The Robatsch Defense is a hypermodern opening, where Black allows White to occupy the center with pawns and then looks to undermine it with a counterattack from the flanks. This opening is relatively unexplored and can lead to unpredictable and tactical games.

In the Robatsch Defense, Black aims to control the center with his pieces instead of pawns. The pawn on g6 supports a knight on f5 and prepares to fianchetto the bishop on g7, which can attack the center from a distance. Black also often plays …d6 and …e5 to challenge White’s pawn structure in the center. White can respond with a variety of moves, including 2.d4, 2.Nf3, and 2.c4, each leading to different variations.

One of the most aggressive lines against the Robatsch Defense is the Austrian Attack, which starts with 1.e4 g6, 2.d4 Bg7, 3.Nc3 d6, and 4.f4. This line aims to gain control of the center quickly and put pressure on Black’s position. Black can respond with …c6 and …d5 to try to undermine White’s pawn structure, or with …Nf6 to develop pieces and prepare for a counterattack. Overall, the Robatsch Defense is a solid opening choice for players who enjoy dynamic and tactical games.

Notable Games

There have been many notable games played using the Modern Defense in chess. Here are a few examples:

1. Garry Kasparov vs. Viswanathan Anand, 1995

In this game, Kasparov played the Modern Defense and used it to defeat Anand in 45 moves. Kasparov played a sharp and aggressive game, sacrificing a pawn early on and later sacrificing a bishop to gain a decisive advantage.

2. Bobby Fischer vs. Robert Byrne, 1963

This game is known as the “Game of the Century” and was played when Fischer was just 13 years old. Fischer played the Modern Defense and used it to defeat Byrne in a brilliant and complex game.

3. Anatoly Karpov vs. Viktor Korchnoi, 1974

In this game, Karpov played the Modern Defense and used it to secure a draw against Korchnoi. Karpov’s solid and positional play was able to neutralize Korchnoi’s attacking ideas.

4. Hikaru Nakamura vs. Magnus Carlsen, 2011

In this game, Nakamura played the Modern Defense and used it to defeat Carlsen in a rapid game. Nakamura played aggressively, sacrificing a pawn early on and later a knight to gain a decisive advantage.

5. Mikhail Tal vs. Vasily Smyslov, 1959

In this game, Tal played the Modern Defense and used it to defeat Smyslov in a brilliant attacking game. Tal sacrificed a pawn and later a rook to gain a decisive attack on Smyslov’s king.

These games demonstrate the versatility and potential of the Modern Defense in chess. While it may not be as popular or well-known as other openings, it can be a potent weapon in the right hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Modern Defense is a flexible and dynamic opening that allows Black to dictate the pace of the game and counterattack with precision. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when players such as Richard Reti and Aron Nimzowitsch started experimenting with unorthodox moves in the opening. Since then, it has evolved into a fully-fledged system with several sub-variations, each with their own unique strategic ideas and tactical themes.

One of the key strengths of the Modern Defense is its ability to adapt to different setups and structures. Whether facing a closed or open position, Black can adjust their play accordingly and find ways to generate counterplay. The Averbakh, Pseudo-Averbakh, Classical, and Gurgenidze systems offer different approaches to achieving this goal, but all share the common thread of dynamic play and a willingness to take calculated risks.

Another advantage of the Modern Defense is its surprise value. Because it is not as widely played as other openings such as the Sicilian or French Defense, opponents may not be as well-prepared to face it, giving Black an early psychological edge. Additionally, because the Modern Defense can transpose into other openings, such as the Pirc or King’s Indian Defense, it can be a useful tool for players who want to keep their opponents guessing.

Overall, the Modern Defense is a potent weapon in the hands of a skilled and creative player. While it may not be as popular or well-known as some other openings, its versatility and surprise value make it a viable option for those looking to take their opponents out of their comfort zone and play for the win.