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Modern Defense Chess: Master This Flexible Opening Strategy

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Last updated: Oct 13, 2025

Animated chess player analyzing the Modern Defense chess opening strategy on a board at home.

When playing black pieces, it is strategic to apply the Modern Defense, which is one of the most suitable for black. It is 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bb7 that every novice has to learn first.  

This opening is also referred to as the Robatsch Defence and fits into the hypermodern school of chess openings. The hypermodern school of chess rests on one major principle: allow the adversary to occupy the center of the board first, and then break through at the proper moment.  

Among the wide variety of chess openings, the Modern Defense remains at the top in popularity, a popularity that stems from the fact that the Modern Defense also allows the practitioner to opt for a range of flexible and adaptable strategies. These range from the Pirc Defense to the King's Indian Defense, and often leave the opposition baffled due to the sheer number of different methods that can be deployed.
 

FAQs

  • Yes, it works very well at the club level because most opponents don't know how to respond properly. It is also effective at the top level and can be used there as well.

  • The main move is 2.d4, followed by Nc3 or c4 to build an intense pawn center. It is great for beginners to use, as it will give a defensive setup.

  • It’s fully playable at amateur and intermediate levels. At the top level, it is less popular, but still used as a surprise weapon.

  • Yes, Black can play 1…g6 against both 1.e4 and 1.d4. Against d4, it often transposes into the King's Indian Defense.

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