Modern Defence
Also known as Robatsch Defence
1.e4 g6
Imagine handing your opponent the whole centre on purpose - then dismantling it. With 1...g6 Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop, sidesteps mainstream theory and waits. White builds an imposing pawn wall, but the Modern bets it will become a target. Patient, hypermodern and a touch sneaky.
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What it does
Black delays committing central pawns, instead fianchettoing the bishop to g7 where it rakes the long diagonal toward d4 and beyond. White is invited to occupy the centre with pawns on e4 and d4 (often adding c4 or f4). Black then chips at that centre with breaks like ...c5, ...e5 or a queenside pawn storm with ...a6 and ...b5, aiming to prove White overextended. The g7 bishop and flexible pawn structure are the heart of the plan.
When to use it
Choose it when you want to avoid heavily analysed main lines and steer the game into less-charted, manoeuvring positions. It suits patient, strategically minded players who are comfortable defending a little cramped before striking back. It is a fine surprise weapon against well-prepared 1.e4 opponents, and pairs well with the related Pirc and King's Indian setups you may already know.
Why it works
The fianchettoed bishop on g7 is a long-term asset, pressuring the centre and shielding the king after castling. By withholding central pawns, Black keeps maximum flexibility and provokes White into committing - and a big pawn centre that cannot be reinforced becomes a liability. Well-timed breaks (...c5, ...e5 or ...b5) hit White's structure at the right moment, turning White's space into a target rather than an advantage.
Key ideas
- Fianchetto with ...Bg7 to pressure d4 and the long diagonal.
- Stay flexible - choose ...c5, ...e5 or ...b5 once White commits.
- Expand on the queenside with ...a6 and ...b5 to gain space and attack.
- Castle short behind the g7 bishop for a safe, resilient king.
- Provoke White into overextending, then break the centre open.
- Reroute knights via d7 or e7 to support the central breaks.
Watch out
Do not drift passively and let White roll forward unchallenged. If Black never strikes with ...c5, ...e5 or ...b5, White's space (especially after an early f4 and e5) can simply suffocate the position. The Modern is about timing the counter-blow - delaying it too long is the most common way to get crushed.