Chessy
Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack (e6) – How to Play as White
You've pushed your pawns to e4, d4, and f4 — a big centre that demands respect. When Black answers with 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.f4 e6 4.Nf3, you reach a key crossroads. The engine gives +0.85, a clear advantage for White. That means you are leading from the start. Your centre pawns control space and your pieces are ready to develop actively. The drill below will sharpen your instincts for this position — play it now and see how you score.
Play the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack: e6 against the engine
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Play the position against our adaptive engine now — practise meeting Black's most popular replies and turn your opening advantage into a full point.
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Your pawns on d4, e4, and f4 grab a huge chunk of the centre. Black has fianchettoed their bishop (Bg7) and played e6, creating a solid but passive setup. Your goal is simple: develop quickly while Black struggles to free their game. The statistics back this up — across 388,669 games from this exact position, White wins 52.1% of the time, with only 3.4% draws and 44.5% Black wins. That winning percentage is a strong signal that your opening choices are working. Keep the pressure on, and Black will have a hard time finding counterplay.
The Engine's Best Continuation
Stockfish rates the position +0.85 in your favour. Its top line runs Nc6 Be3 Nf6 Nc3. Black brings knights out to c6 and f6, and you reply with Be3 (eyeing the long diagonal and supporting your centre) and Nc3 (adding control over d5 and e4). This is a clean, principled setup: you develop, protect your pawns, and stay ready to castle kingside. Notice that the engine doesn't rush an attack — it prioritises completing development first. That patience is the right approach against the Modern Defence, where Black hopes you overextend.
Most Common Replies and How to Answer Them
Black has several ways to continue, and your plan stays steady no matter what they choose. Here are the most-played moves and what you can expect: - Ne7 (237,320 games, White scores 51.1%): A popular choice. Black aims to keep the e7-square for the knight and may follow with d6 and 0-0. Your normal development — Be3, Nc3, Qd2, 0-0-0 — works well. - d6 (40,211 games, White scores 53.5%): Black solidifies the centre. Develop naturally and watch for the ...e5 break later. - b6 (27,299 games, White scores 53.4%): Black fianchettoes the other bishop. Your centre holds firm; just continue developing. - d5 (22,142 games, White scores 53.5%): An immediate central challenge. You can support with e5 or recapture after an exchange — either way your space advantage remains. - c6 (22,081 games, White scores 53.7%): Prepares d5 or b5. Keep developing and you'll stay on top. - Nc6 (10,250 games, White scores 53.1%): The engine's recommended move for Black and a natural developing step. Meet it with Be3 as shown above. Across all Black's options, your winning chances are solid — none of them drops below 51% for you.
The Most Common Mistake to Avoid
Because your centre looks so imposing, it's tempting to launch a pawn storm too early. But Black is waiting for you to overextend — their fianchettoed bishop on g7 becomes powerful if you push past it carelessly. The data shows that your scores are highest (above 53%) when Black plays solidly and you respond with calm development. Don't rush. Castle, complete your piece setup, and only start a direct attack once your house is in order. If you stay patient, the engine's +0.85 edge will translate into a real advantage on the board.
Results across 388,669 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Ne7 | 237,320 | 51.1% |
| d6 | 40,211 | 53.5% |
| b6 | 27,299 | 53.4% |
| d5 | 22,142 | 53.5% |
| c6 | 22,081 | 53.7% |
| Nc6 | 10,250 | 53.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Modern Defense: Three Pawns Attack with e6 good for White?
Yes. Stockfish rates it +0.85, a clear advantage for White, and across nearly 389,000 games White wins 52.1% of the time. You have a strong, lasting plus from the opening.
What is Black's best move after 4.Nf3 in this line?
The engine's top choice is Nc6, followed by Be3 Nf6 Nc3. That said, Black most often plays Ne7 (over 237,000 games), and your winning percentage stays above 51% against every common reply.
Should White castle short or long in this position?
Both are possible, but the engine's best continuation (Be3, Nc3) leaves you flexible. Many players aim for queenside castling with Qd2 to support a later pawn storm, but kingside castling is also fine. The key is to develop before committing.
How should I handle Black's ...d5 break?
Black plays d5 in over 22,000 games, and White scores 53.5% in those. You can either push e5 to keep your space advantage or recapture in the centre. In either case your development lead and pawn centre give you the edge.