Modern Defence 1...g6 is variation 5 of 5 in the Pirc and Modern Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B06). It runs 16 moves and begins 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Be3 a6 …. Black fianchettoes first and delays ...Nf6, so that White's e4 cannot be hit early but Black keeps the option of ...c6, ...a6 and ...b5. Against Be3 and Qd2, Black expands on the queenside and hits the centre with ...c5. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... g6 – The Modern: Black fianchettoes first and keeps ...d6, ...Nf6 or ...c6 options.
2. d4 – White builds the classical two-pawn centre.
2... Bg7 – The bishop takes the long diagonal and presses on d4.
3. Nc3 – White develops and defends e4.
3... d6 – Black controls e5 and prepares ...Nd7 or ...Nf6.
4. Be3 – White prepares Qd2 and a quick attack.
4... a6 – Black prepares ...b5, gaining space on the queenside before committing the knights.
5. Qd2 – White connects the queen and bishop.
5... b5 – Black grabs queenside space and prepares ...Bb7 and ...Nd7.
6. Bd3 – White develops and protects e4.
6... Nd7 – Black develops the knight to d7, supporting ...c5 and keeping f6 free for the other knight.
7. Nf3 – White develops and controls e5.
7... Bb7 – The bishop presses on e4 from b7.
8. O-O – White castles to safety.
8... c5 – Black strikes at d4 with the bishops on b7 and g7 aiming at White's centre. Black follows up with ...Ngf6, ...O-O and ...Rc8 with active counterplay.
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