Modern Defense: Bishop Attack & Monkey's Bum Variation
Modern Defense
Definition
The Modern Defense is a hyper-modern chess opening for Black that begins with the fianchetto of the king’s bishop after 1…g6 (most commonly reached through 1.e4 g6 or 1.d4 g6). It is catalogued under ECO codes B06–B09. Rather than occupying the centre with pawns immediately, Black allows White to build a pawn centre and then strikes at it with pieces and timely pawn breaks such as …d5, …c5 or …e5.
Typical Move Order
- 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 … (a very common tabiya)
- 1.d4 g6 2.e4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 leads to the same family of positions, showing its flexibility against both king- and queen-pawn openings.
Strategic Ideas
- Hyper-modern concept: control the centre with pieces first, then undermine it.
- King safety: Black often castles short and relies on the long diagonal a1–h8 and the move …c5 to generate counterplay.
- Flexible pawn structure: Black can choose between …e5 (Pirc-style), …c5 (Sicilian-style), or …d5 breaks depending on White’s set-up.
Historical & Practical Significance
The Modern Defense rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s through the efforts of players like Bent Larsen, Duncan Suttles, and later GM Michael Basman, who used it as a surprise weapon at top level. Engines now confirm that while objectively sound, the opening demands accurate play because Black’s king can come under pressure if the centre is not challenged in time.
Model Game
GM Bent Larsen employed the Modern to defeat several elite opponents. A representative miniature follows:
Interesting Facts
- Michael Basman once quipped that his favorite move was “the thrust of the g-pawn,” a nod to 1…g6 and 1…g5 ideas in many of his games.
- Because the opening can be reached from virtually any first move by White (1.c4, 1.Nf3, etc.), it is attractive to players who want a universal system with Black.
Bishop Attack (Modern Defense)
Definition
The Bishop Attack is a sharp, aggressive line for White against the Modern Defense characterized by the early development of the light-squared bishop to c4, eyeing the vulnerable f7-square. The critical position often arises after 1.e4 g6 2.Bc4 (or 1.d4 g6 2.e4 Bg7 3.Bc4).
Typical Move Orders
- 1.e4 g6 2.Bc4 … (direct)
- 1.d4 g6 2.e4 Bg7 3.Bc4 … (transposition from a 1.d4 move-order)
Plans and Themes
- Immediate pressure on f7: combined with Qf3 or Qe2, White threatens tactics such as Bxf7+ or Qxf7#.
- Rapid development: Knights often go to f3 and c3, while d2-d4 stakes a presence in the centre.
- Short games: Because Black’s king is temporarily exposed and still in the centre, many Bishop Attack games end quickly—either in a mating attack for White or counter-blows if Black defends correctly.
Strategic Concerns for Black
Black must not fall asleep on the f7 weakness. Accurate replies include …e6 (blunting the bishop), …e5 (counter-attacking the centre) or delaying …Bg7 to avoid tactical shots.
Illustrative Miniature
Historical Notes
While not as frequently seen in grand-master practice as the main-line Modern, the Bishop Attack has served as a surprise weapon—particularly in rapid and blitz—where one careless move can be fatal. Its swashbuckling spirit sets the stage for the even more entertaining “Monkey’s Bum” variation.
Monkey’s Bum Variation
Definition
The Monkey’s Bum (yes, that is its official name in ECO A42!) is a sub-variation of the Bishop Attack that adds the queen to the battery on the f-file: 1.e4 g6 2.Bc4 Bg7 3.Qf3. The colourful name—coined by British IM Nigel Povah during a post-tournament pub session—describes the comical image of a “monkey sticking its backside out,” likened to White’s queen and bishop poking at Black’s position.
Typical Move Order
1.e4 g6 2.Bc4 Bg7 3.Qf3 (Monkey’s Bum)
Black’s most common replies:
- 3…e6 – the main line, blocking the bishop.
- 3…Nf6?? – a finger-fehler that loses instantly to 4.Qxf7#.
- 3…e5 – counterstrike in the centre, but allows 4.Qxf7# if played too early.
Main Ideas for White
- Immediate mate threat on f7.
- If Black defends with …e6, White pushes d2-d4 to open the centre before Black has castled.
- Development lead: Knights to e2/c3, castles long or short depending on circumstances, and pawn storms against Black’s king.
Sample Tactical Line
One of the traps that popularised the name goes:
After 5.Qxf7+ Kxf7 6.Nf3, White regains the sacrificed piece on d4 with two extra pawns and a safer king.
Historical & Cultural Significance
The line’s tongue-in-cheek nickname made it a cult favourite in British chess circles of the 1980s. GM Jonathan Rowson later published analysis in New in Chess, dubbing a quieter move-order the “Monkey’s Bum Deferred” (where Qf3 is played one move later, after 4.d4).
Model Game
Rowson – Basman, UK Rapidplay 1999, is a frequently cited reference:
White eventually broke through on the light squares and won on move 34.
Trivia
- Because the name appears in official ECO tables, tournament bulletins occasionally list “A42 Monkey’s Bum” with complete seriousness, much to the delight of spectators.
- The variation is popular in club blitz: a quick mate on f7 is an irresistible temptation for many unsuspecting opponents.
- There is even an ultra-hyper version nicknamed the “Double Monkey’s Bum,” involving both Qf3 and Qg3 in successive moves to keep the pressure on f7.