Modern Defense

1.e4 g6

The Modern Defense is very similar to the Pirc but even more flexible.
Black starts by fianchettoing the bishop immediately without committing the knight to f6 too early.
This approach gives Black maximum flexibility: Black can choose when and how to strike at White’s center (with moves like d6, c5, or e5).
The Modern Defense often leads to highly unbalanced positions where White grabs space early, but Black patiently organizes a powerful counterattack.

Key concepts: Flexibility, fianchetto system, delayed center control.