Chessy
Modern Defense: Standard Line as White
After 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3, you reach the Standard Line of the Modern Defense with Black to move. This is a useful drill because White has already taken space, but Black still has flexible counterplay. Your job is to stay calm, keep your central grip, and choose the moves that make Black’s setup less comfortable. The exercise below helps you practise the critical position instead of memorising a long theory tree.
Play the Modern Defense: Standard Line against the engine
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Create a free account →What the position says about your chances
Stockfish rates this +0.63, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here.
The database picture matches that general verdict: across 2,583,549 games at this exact position, White wins 52.6%, draws 3.7%, and Black wins 43.7%. So this is not a crushing advantage, but White is the side with the more pleasant position and the better practical score. If you know how to keep the initiative and avoid giving Black free activity, you are already on the right track.
What Black most often tries
Black has several common replies, so you should be ready for a flexible defence rather than one fixed answer. The most-played continuations here are d6, e6, b6, c6, Nf6, and Nc6.
The engine’s best move is c5, with the continuation c5 dxc5 Bxc3+ bxc3. That tells you something important: Black often looks for immediate central play and tactics against your structure. In this drill, do not rush; make sure your development and centre are sound before you start chasing threats.
The main mistake to punish
One known mistake in this position is Nf6, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; better was d6.
That is useful for your practical play. If Black chooses Nf6, you can treat it as a sign that your opponent has not found the most accurate setup. Stay alert, keep your centre firm, and make Black work for counterplay instead of allowing an easy equalising plan.
How to handle the most common defences
The point of this opening for White is simple: use your space and development to make Black’s kingside fianchetto less comfortable. Because Black can meet you with several different setups, you should focus on broad principles rather than memorising a single script.
- Keep your centre stable.
- Develop smoothly and do not fall behind in piece activity.
- Watch for Black’s counterplay with the c-pawn and pieces.
- Be especially ready when Black chooses one of the frequent continuations listed above.
If you play the position well, White’s small edge can become a very playable middlegame.
Results across 2,583,549 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d6 | 1,047,874 | 51.8% |
| e6 | 545,744 | 53.4% |
| b6 | 244,757 | 52.8% |
| c6 | 163,374 | 50.7% |
| Nf6 | 156,931 | 57.7% |
| Nc6 | 116,822 | 53.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Modern Defense: Standard Line good for White?
Yes, this position gives White a small edge. Stockfish rates it +0.63, and the database also shows White scoring better than Black here. It is a good drill if you want a solid plus without needing a forced attack.
What is the engine’s best move for Black here?
The engine’s best move is c5. The listed continuation is c5 dxc5 Bxc3+ bxc3, which shows that Black is aiming for active play and tactical chances. In the drill, you should be ready for that kind of counterplay.
What are the most common replies for Black?
The most-played continuations are d6, e6, b6, c6, Nf6, and Nc6. These move choices show that Black has many ways to develop, so you should focus on general plans rather than one narrow line. Your goal is to keep the edge and not let Black equalise easily.
Which move should I be most careful about?
Nf6 is listed as a known mistake here. It is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; better was d6. If Black plays it, you should recognise that the defence has already slipped a little and continue confidently.
How many games feature the Modern Defense: Standard Line?
Over 3 million Lichess games have reached the Modern Defense: Standard Line position. White wins 52.6%, Black wins 43.7%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.