The Modern Defence vs 1.d4 arises after 1.d4 g6. ECO code: A40.

Overview

With 1...g6, Black adopts a Modern Defence or Pirc Defence-like setup against 1.d4, preparing to fianchetto the king's bishop to g7. The position can transpose into the King\'s Indian Defence after ...Nf6 and ...d6.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black develops flexibly, planning ...Bg7, ...d6, and ...Nf6 (or ...c5 for a Sicilian-like structure). The bishop on g7 controls the long a1–h8 diagonal and supports central counterplay. White should aim for a broad centre with e4 and Nc3, exploiting the space advantage before Black completes the setup.