Opening course · B06
Learn the Modern Defence
The Modern Defence starts with 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Be3 a6 5.Qd2 b5. Bishop to g7, then …a6 and …b5: you give White the centre and take space on the queenside.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1200 to 2600
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 13 steps
- 3 Key variations 5 steps
- 4 Traps 3 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 10 steps
Key ideas
- …g6, …Bg7, …d6 and …a6.
- …b5 and …Nd7 before …Ngf6.
- Meet h4 with …h5.
Traps you will see
- Bh6 too soon Set by Black
- The loose rook Set by White
- The wrong king step Set by Black
Model games
- Wei Yi Magnus Carlsen Bilbao Masters · 2016
- Gawain Jones Magnus Carlsen Chessable Masters · 2022
Questions
Is the Modern Defence good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1200 to 2600. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Modern Defence?
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Be3 a6 5.Qd2 b5.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 38 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- Bh6 too soon
- The loose rook
- The wrong king step