Tree path 4 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Modern Defense › Modern Defense › Averbakh System
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- Modern Defense A40
- Modern Defense A41
- Averbakh System A42 you are here
Modern Defense: Averbakh System
Overview
Modern Defense: Averbakh System is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A42), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.
Play reaches this position via 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. e4, after 7 plies of opening development.
The line refines Modern Defense, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.
The line splits into 2 documented sub-systems: Modern Defense: Kotov Variation, Modern Defense: Randspringer Variation.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- A42
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 7
- Parent
- Modern Defense
- Direct variations
- 2
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
4,118,333 games · White 48.9% / Draw 4.9% / Black 46.1%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 1,738,755 | |
| Nc6 | 804,918 | |
| Nd7 | 506,063 | |
| e5 | 268,788 | |
| c6 | 263,135 | |
| e6 | 138,439 | |
| a6 | 105,619 | |
| c5 | 87,480 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:31:19
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.