The Robatsch (Modern) Defence arises after 1.e4 g6. ECO code: B06.

History

Named after Austrian GM Karl Robatsch (1929–2000), who pioneered the system. Also known as the Modern Defence, it is a hypermodern opening where Black delays any central pawn advance, instead fianchettoing the king's bishop to g7.

Main Lines

After 1...g6, White typically plays 2.d4 Bg7, establishing a classical centre. Black's setup is extremely flexible—depending on White's formation, Black may play ...d6 and ...Nf6 (Pirc Defence), ...c5 (Sicilian-like), or ...d5 (directly challenging the centre).

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black's strategy is fundamentally hypermodern: allow White to build a big centre, then undermine it with piece pressure and well-timed pawn breaks. The bishop on g7 is the cornerstone of the defence, exerting latent pressure on the long diagonal. White should aim for a broad centre and aggressive piece development before Black completes the setup.