Modern: 3.Nc3 d6 4.Bc4
Modern Defence: 3.Nc3 d6 4.Bc4 Variation
Definition
The sequence of moves 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Bc4 defines a sharp line in the Modern (or Robatsch) Defence. After establishing a fianchetto with …Bg7, Black postpones direct piece development, while White places a bishop on c4 to exert immediate pressure on the sensitive f7–square and to support central expansion. This position is catalogued in ECO as B06 and is sometimes referred to as the Bishop-on-c4 Variation of the Modern Defence.
Typical Move-Order & Ideas
The critical position arises after the following initial moves:
- 1.e4 g6 (Black signals the Modern Defence)
- 2.d4 Bg7 (Black fianchettoes; White occupies the centre)
- 3.Nc3 d6 (…d6 keeps the structure flexible and discourages e4–e5)
- 4.Bc4 (the starting move of our variation)
Key concepts behind 4.Bc4:
- Pressure on f7: The bishop eyes the weakest square in Black’s camp, preparing tactical themes with Qf3, Qe2, or Nf3–g5.
- Rapid development: All White pieces enter the game quickly; castling can often wait while threats are posed.
- Opening the centre: White may follow with f4 or Nf3–f4 to support an early e4–e5 break.
- Transpositional chances: After …Nf6 White can reach mainline Pirc structures; after …c6 and …a6 the game can resemble the Tiger Modern.
Strategic Themes for Both Sides
- White Plans
- Play Qf3/Qe2, castle long, and launch a kingside pawn storm (h4–h5, g2–g4).
- Prepare e4–e5 to disrupt Black’s coordination.
- If Black plays …c6–d5, be ready to sacrifice a pawn for open lines.
- Black Plans
- Counter in the centre with …c6 and …d5, challenging the bishop and freeing space for the queen knight.
- Employ …a6 and …b5 to harass Bc4 and grab queenside space (a trademark of the “Tiger” system).
- Maintain flexibility—sometimes Black delays …Nf6 to avoid early e4–e5 pins.
Historical & Practical Significance
Although less fashionable than mainline 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Be3 or 3.Nf3, the 4.Bc4 approach has been championed by creative attackers such as Bent Larsen, Viktor Korchnoi, and more recently by Swedish GM Tiger Hillarp Persson—whose book “Tiger’s Modern” popularised setups beginning with …a6 and …c6 against this very line. The variation appeals to players seeking unbalanced middlegames and early tactical skirmishes.
Example Continuations
- Classical Centre Break: 4…Nf6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.e5! dxe5 7.dxe5 Qxd1+ 8.Kxd1 Ng4 – a double-edged pawn sacrifice where White’s king walks but gains development.
- Tiger Setup: 4…c6 5.Qf3 e6 6.Nge2 a6 7.h4 h5 – both sides prepare pawn storms on opposite wings.
Illustrative Game
Below is a short but thematic miniature featuring the power of Bc4 and Qf3:
White (Fischer simul game, 1964) exploited the pin on f6 and the exposed f7-square; after 8…Nxd5 9.Bxd8, Black’s queen fell. While Black could improve earlier, the game highlights common tactical pitfalls.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The bishop on c4 is sometimes humorously dubbed “the dentist,” forever threatening to extract the f7-pawn.
- In engine matches, modern neural-network engines often meet 4.Bc4 with the calm …c6 followed by …d5, indicating that precise defence can neutralise White’s initiative.
- FM Andrew Martin once quipped in a video lecture, “If your opponent plays 4.Bc4, remember: don’t panic—just kick the bishop and claim the centre.”
When to Use the Line
Choose 4.Bc4 if you enjoy open, tactical positions and are comfortable sacrificing pawns for activity. The variation works particularly well in rapid or blitz, where surprise value and initiative matter more than long-term structural weaknesses.