Modern Defense Bishop Attack
Modern Defense – Bishop Attack
Definition
The Modern Defense – Bishop Attack is a variation of the Modern Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Bc4. Instead of developing the knight to f3 or establishing a broad pawn center with c2-c3, White immediately posts the king-side bishop on the dangerous a2–g8 diagonal, pointing directly at Black’s castling position. The ECO code is B06 (sometimes cross-referenced as A41 when reached through 1. d4).
Typical Move Order
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Bc4 d6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Qe2 (one of the main branching points).
Strategic Aims
- White seeks rapid piece activity, eyeing the h7-square and the vulnerable f7-pawn. The bishop on c4 can be reinforced by moves such as Qf3 or Qe2-f3, and Ng1-f3-g5 in some lines, leading to direct mating threats.
- Black adheres to Modern-Defense principles: allow White to occupy the center and then counter-strike with moves like …c5 or …e5. Accurate timing is required; otherwise the pressure on the light squares can become overwhelming.
Key Plans & Ideas
- Central Breaks: White often supports e4-d4 with c2-c3, preparing e4-e5. Black counters with …c5 or …e5, challenging the center before White’s pieces coordinate.
- King-side Assault: After castling short, White can expand with h2-h4-h5 or sacrifice on f7 if Black is careless. Meanwhile, Black may fianchetto both bishops (…Bg7, …b6, …Bb7) and castle long to escape the diagonal.
- Piece Play: Knights frequently head to g5 (White) and c6/e5 (Black). The “Spanish Bishop” on c4 resembles positions from the Italian Game, but with a completely different pawn structure.
Historical Note
The line gained popularity in the 1960s–70s when Bent Larsen and Efim Geller experimented with it as a surprise weapon. Its surprise value lies in steering Modern-Defense specialists away from the well-trodden 3. Nc3 or 3. Nf3 lines. Although never a mainline at elite level, it appears in rapid and blitz events where initiative is paramount.
Illustrative Example
The miniature above (a 2022 rapid exhibition game) shows the attacking power of the Bishop Attack. White’s pieces flood the king-side, culminating in a picturesque rook-and-queen mating net.
Famous Games Featuring the Line
- Geller – Safin, USSR Championship 1973: A model game where Geller sacrificed on f7 to rip open Black’s king.
- Short – Shirov, Reykjavik 1995: White demonstrated the dangerous 4. Qf3!? sideline, forcing Shirov into precise defense.
Interesting Facts
- The variation sometimes transposes to the Pirc Defense if Black plays …d6 and …Nf6 early; yet theory keeps the “Modern” label because Black postpones …Nf6 in many lines.
- In engine games the move 3. Bc4 scores surprisingly well—even against top neural-network engines—because of the latent pressure on f7.
- Club players often confuse the position with the Italian Game; however, Black’s fianchettoed bishop radically changes the evaluation of tactics on e6 and g6.
Practical Tips
- For White: Strike quickly before Black organizes central counterplay. Moves like Qf3, h4-h5, and Ng5 should be considered whenever tactical motifs appear.
- For Black: Do not delay …c5 or …e5 too long. Consider castling long or playing …h6 early to blunt Bc4’s pressure.
- Both sides must keep an eye on the e4–d4 pawn chain; once that collapses, the initiative can swing violently.