B06 · Semi-Open · a defense for Black

Modern Defense: Masur Gambit

10/10
1.e4g62.d4Nh63.Nc3f54.Bxh6Bxh65.exf5O-O
Live databaseLichess 1600–2000 · blitz + rapid
Modern Defense: Masur Gambit58 games · White to move
Only 58 games reach this position at this level — read it loosely.
MoveWhite / draw / BlackPlayedGamesScore
88%5156%
10%6100%
1.7%1100%
Category
Semi-Open
First move
1.e4
ECO
B06
Line
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nh6 3. Nc3 f5 4. Bxh6 Bxh6 5. exf5 O-O
GambitFianchettoHypermodern
Read the guide: Modern DefenseExplore all 40 Modern Defense lines
Keep exploring
Nearby lines in the family
From the archives

Letting White build the entire center while fianchettoing quietly was considered borderline disrespectful until players like Kotov and later Suttles made it a system. The Modern is the purest hypermodern bet on the board: the big center is not an asset — it's a target.

Study this opening