Opening Repertoire: The Modern Defense
Hi! Are you willing to play for a fierce counter-attack as Black? Are you ready for tactical complications? Then maybe the Modern Defense (1...g6) is for you!
This is not a post on the theoretical aspects of the Modern. Rather, I would summarize my own experience with it. I've been playing quite intensively 1...g6 or 1...d6 followed by 2...g6 against opponents with blitz ratings between 1900-2200 (I´m myself rated around 2100) in on-line speed chess during more than a year now. I'm happy with a reasonable 40-50% winning rate as Black-depending on the variation.
The Modern is a "hypermodern-type" defense where Black strategy is to speed up development through king's fianchetto scheme, allow White to have a nice central pawn formation, and then attack it through pawn pushes or breaks combined with piece pressure. As a result center will often get blocked by White and then play goes to the flanks, where pawn storms are very common. Other central formations are possible, but normally White will have more space.
One aspect of the Modern (1...g6) I like is its flexibility: you can play it against almost any White's first move. On the other hand, you can transpose to other openings like the Pirc, the Gurgenidze variation of the Caro-Kann, the King´s Indian, the Dragon Sicilian or even the Hippo (!) when advisable.
But you have to be careful and always look for the active moves, otherwise your position can get too cramped! Then White can easily launch overwhelming attacks.
Anyway, for me, the most important factor to adopt the Modern is whether you like the type of middle game you get or not- not anyone likes to allow the opponent to build a nice and sometimes threatening center. So to be good at Modern Defense you need a taste for somewhat cramped positions, some experience and theoretical background, as well positional skills like piece manouvering or pawn brakes, and tactics.
In theory the Modern is a respectable defense, although not much played compared to other openings. Normally I would not advice to play The Modern as only deffense in your repertoire, but if you enjoy it may become a great option as Black.
Did you like this suggestion for your repertoire? I hope so! If you would like to learn more about the Modern Defense, other openings or improve your play in general, I would be happy to help! Please check my profile, and if you’re interested in lessons, please send me a message, and I will reply with details.
Good luck!
