Tree path 3 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Modern Defense › Modern Defense
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- Modern Defense A40
- Modern Defense A41 you are here
Modern Defense
Overview
Modern Defense is a named branch in the Flank Openings group of chess theory, classified under ECO A41.
The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.
It is reached after 6 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6.
In the opening tree, this line branches off from Queen's Pawn Game: Modern Defense, part of the broader Queen's Pawn Game system.
It continues primarily into one named line, Averbakh System.
In total, the branch covers 3 sub-variations across all depths.
Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.
- ECO code
- A41
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 6
- Direct variations
- 1
- Total in subtree
- 3
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
4,295,398 games · White 48.3% / Draw 5.0% / Black 46.7%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| e4 | 2,540,671 | |
| Nf3 | 1,042,093 | |
| e3 | 209,101 | |
| Bf4 | 192,782 | |
| Bg5 | 113,633 | |
| g3 | 86,687 | |
| h3 | 27,875 | |
| f3 | 22,146 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:15:56
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