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Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack as White
The Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack gives White a big space grab right away, but it is not a free win. After 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.f4, the position becomes a sharp test of whether you can use your extra central presence without overextending. Stockfish rates it +0.65, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here, but you still need to handle Black’s counterplay accurately. Use the drill below to practise the critical choices from this exact position.
Play the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack against the engine
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Create a free account →What you are trying to prove with 3.f4
With 3.f4, White takes more space and builds a strong pawn presence in the centre. That makes it harder for Black to sit comfortably and wait. Your job is to keep that space useful: develop quickly, stay coordinated, and make sure your advanced pawns do not become targets. This opening is best for players who like active positions and are happy to steer the game with the initiative rather than with quiet manoeuvring.
Black’s main practical tries
The database shows several common replies here, and they are close enough in score that you should know the feel of each one. The most-played continuations are d6, e6, b6, c5, d5, and c6. The engine’s best move is c5, and it points to a sharp route with c5 d5 d6 a4. That is the line to respect most in your study, because it shows Black aiming directly at White’s centre and queenside space.
What the numbers say
Across 1,292,243 games at this exact position, White wins 51.4%, draws 3.4%, and Black wins 45.2%. Those figures support the engine’s verdict that White has a modest pull, but not a crushing one. Some replies are especially comfortable for White in practice, while the c5 continuation is noticeably less pleasant for White than the other common moves. So the opening is playable and promising, but only if you remain alert after Black strikes back.
How to handle the critical counterplay
When Black chooses the engine move c5, expect immediate pressure on the centre rather than a slow setup. Your main task is to keep your central structure intact and avoid drifting into passive defence. The space from your pawns is useful only if your pieces can join the game quickly. If you let Black free activity, the extra room can start to feel like a target instead of an advantage.
Results across 1,292,243 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d6 | 533,514 | 51.4% |
| e6 | 296,429 | 51.6% |
| b6 | 125,751 | 52.3% |
| c5 | 74,828 | 45.4% |
| d5 | 64,794 | 51.1% |
| c6 | 58,908 | 51.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack good for White?
Yes, this exact position gives White a small edge. Stockfish rates it +0.65, so White is slightly better, but not by much. You still need to play actively and know how to meet Black’s counterplay.
What is Black’s best move here?
The engine’s best move is c5. The indicated continuation is c5 d5 d6 a4, so this is the most important line to understand in practice. It shows Black challenging the centre right away.
Which replies are most common after 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.f4?
The most-played continuations are d6, e6, b6, c5, d5, and c6. Their White scores are all fairly close, but c5 is the one you should study most carefully because it is also the engine’s top choice.
What should White focus on in this opening?
Use the space from f4, but do not rush without coordination. Develop quickly, keep your centre solid, and be ready for Black to attack your advanced pawns. The opening rewards active play and good structure.
How many games feature the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack?
Over 1 million Lichess games have reached the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack position. White wins 51.4%, Black wins 45.2%, with 3.4% draws — based on real rated games.