ECO B06 · for Black
Modern Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
20,050,260 games in this band reached the Modern Defense position. From there Black won 47% and drew 4%.
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nf3 d6 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 Nc6
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... g6
Fianchettoing the bishop where it will be very powerful on the long diagonal.
2. d4
Gaining control of the center with both e4 and d4.
- 2. Nf3: Developing the knight and remaining flexible.
2... Bg7
Placing the bishop on the long diagonal where it pressures the white center and queenside.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 d6 4. Nc3 Nf6
3. Nf3
Developing the knight while supporting the d4 pawn.
- 3. e5: Gaining even more space and making Black's bishop passive. White will strengthen the center with f4 and Nf3.
3... d6
Allowing the light squared bishop and b8 knight more freedom while also preparing a possible e5 or c5 break.
4. Nc3
Developing the knight and strengthening the center. White has excellent development and control of the center.
- 4. Bc4: Developing the bishop and preparing to castle kingside. White has a very active setup and will likely aim to attack the Black king.
4... Nf6
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O Bg4
5. Bd3
Developing the bishop to the center and preparing to castle.
- 5. Bc4: Developing the light-squared bishop and fighting for control of the center. White is also preparing to castle.
- 5. Be3: Developing the bishop and aiming to castle queenside. White will likely play Qd3 and Bh6 if given the chance as well.
5... O-O
6. O-O
Getting the king to safety and bringing the rook closer to the clash in the center.
6... Bg4
Moves 7 to 8
7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 Nc6
7. h3
7... Bxf3
8. Qxf3
8... Nc6
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The pawn on e5 typically captures the pawn on d4
- The knight on f6 often moves to d7
- The knight on c6 can move to d4 or e7
- Common pawn moves are e5, c5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black