Modern Defense: Standard Line and Pseudo Austrian
Modern Defense
Definition
The Modern Defense (ECO codes A40–A42 & B06) is a hyper-modern opening in which Black allows White to occupy the centre with pawns and then seeks to undermine that centre from a distance. Against 1.e4 the most common starting position arises after the moves 1…g6 2…Bg7, but the same set-up can be played versus 1.d4, 1.c4, or even 1.Nf3, making the Modern a “universal” defense.
Typical Move Order vs 1.e4
- e4 g6
- d4 Bg7
- Nc3 d6
- Nf3 … (many possibilities)
The Bishop on g7 is the cornerstone of Black’s counter-play. Black normally strikes back with one or more pawn breaks: …c5, …e5, or …d5.
Strategic Features
- Delayed central presence: Black refrains from occupying the centre with pawns in the opening, trusting piece pressure and later pawn breaks.
- Flexible move order: Black can decide whether to aim for Pirc-type structures (…Nf6), Gurgenidze structures (…c6 & …a6), or even Benoni-style play with …d6, …c5.
- King safety: Black’s early fianchetto makes castling short safe, but it also means the dark-squares around the king (e7, f7, g7, h6) require constant vigilance.
Historical Notes
Savielly Tartakower is often credited with the first systematic adoption of the Modern in the 1920s. Later champions included Canadian GM Duncan Suttles, who used it as a main weapon in the 1960s and 70s. More recently, Magnus Carlsen, Teimour Radjabov, and Baadur Jobava have employed the defense at elite level, keeping it firmly in mainstream theory.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen – Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2012, featured the line 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 a6 5.a4 b6 6.Bc4 e6. Carlsen sacrificed a pawn to seize space, but Radjabov’s dark-square strategy eventually held, demonstrating the resilience of Black’s set-up.
Interesting Facts
- Bobby Fischer wheeled out the Modern (then called the “Robatsch Defense”) in the 1963 U.S. Championship, beating Pal Benko in only 25 moves.
- The Modern Defense is sometimes used as a psychological weapon: its flexible structure can frustrate opponents who prefer concrete, forcing lines after 1…e5 or 1…c5.
Standard Line (Modern Defense)
Definition
The term “Standard” or “Classical” line against the Modern Defense refers to White’s straightforward development: establishing a broad pawn centre with e4–d4, positioning the knights on Nc3 & Nf3, and quickly castling. A canonical move order is:
- e4 g6
- d4 Bg7
- Nc3 d6
- Nf3 Nf6 (or another Black plan)
Main Ideas for White
- Maintain the centre with c2-c3 or f2-f3, then probe with e4-e5 or d4-d5.
- Develop harmoniously: Bc4, Bb3, or Be2 depending on Black’s set-up.
- Keep options open: the structure can transpose to a Pirc, King’s Indian, or even a Philidor depending on Black’s replies.
Main Ideas for Black
- Gurgenidze/Pribyl: …c6, …a6, …b5 – queenside space grab.
- Pirc-style: …Nf6, …0-0, …e5 or …c5 undermining the centre.
- King’s Indian cross-over: …Nf6, …0-0, …c5, …e6 followed by …d5.
Example Fragment
This miniature PGN shows typical manoeuvres: White hints at e4-e5/d4-d5 thrusts while Black prepares …c6 & …d5.
Historical & Practical Significance
The Standard line is popular at club level because it avoids heavy theory while preserving healthy winning chances. At the top, Karpov employed it several times in rapid events, trusting the natural piece placement to outplay less booked-up opponents.
Anecdote
During the 2009 World Cup, Boris Gelfand surprised Sergei Karjakin with the calm 4.Nf3 instead of sharper f2-f4 lines. Karjakin sank into a 30-minute think on move 6, proof that even “standard” systems can be potent weapons when mixed with deep preparation.
Pseudo Austrian Attack
Definition
The Pseudo-Austrian Attack is an aggressive anti-Modern system in which White advances the f-pawn similarly to the true Austrian Attack, but without an early Nc3. A prototypical sequence is:
- e4 g6
- d4 Bg7
- Nf3 d6
- f4 …
Because the knight is still on b1, White keeps the c-pawn free, allowing ideas such as c2-c4 or Nb1-c3 at a later stage. The word “pseudo” underlines that the set-up imitates the Austrian Attack (f-pawn thrust) but with a different piece configuration.
Strategic Themes
- Space & kingside pressure: The pawn on f4 claims e5 and gives White prospects of a quick e4-e5 advance.
- Flexibility: Delaying Nc3 avoids early …Bg7-xc3 sacrifices and allows c2-c4 to clamp down on d5.
- Risk vs reward: The f-pawn advance also weakens the king. If Black can open the f-file with …f5 or counter in the centre with …c5, the over-extension may backfire.
Typical Continuations for Black
- Immediate strike: …Nf6 and …d5, hitting e4 before White consolidates.
- Queenside play: …c6, …b5, and …a6 (Gurgenidze idea) gaining space while watching the centre.
- Classical counter: …e5 !?, inviting pawn exchanges to exploit holes on e4 and f4.
Model Game
Radjabov – Carlsen, Tal Memorial Blitz 2012:
Radjabov’s central push e4-e5 combined with f4-f5 tore open lines, but Carlsen eventually rerouted his knight to g7 and hit back with …d6-dxe5, showcasing Black’s resilience.
Interesting Tidbits
- The line gained popularity in the online blitz arena, where quick, direct attacks pay dividends and theoretical refutation lines are harder to recall under time pressure.
- GM Baadur Jobava occasionally plays the Pseudo-Austrian to sidestep booked-up opponents who expect his trademark Jobava-London systems.