Modern Defense: Pseudo-Austrian Attack

In the opening of a chess game, the first move e4 is often used by White to gain control over the center of the board. If successful, this allows White to develop their pieces more effectively and put pressure on Black. In the Modern Defense variation, Black responds with g6 to counteract White's advance. The move d4 then follows, aiming to maintain control of the center. With Nc3 and f4, White further reinforces their position and threatens to advance even further. This setup is known as the Pseudo-Austrian Attack and is a common choice against the Modern Defense.

In the opening of a chess game, the move g6 played by Black is known as the Modern Defense. This move aims to control the center squares indirectly and create a solid pawn structure. The move g6 also prepares the bishop to be developed to g7, where it can be a useful attacking piece. By playing g6, Black also avoids the traditional pawn structure created by playing e5. However, this setup can also lead to an unbalanced position where the defense can be difficult to maintain.

In response to Black's opening move g6, White plays d4 to gain more control over the center of the board. By advancing the pawn, White aims to restrict Black's pawn on g6, and increase the potential for White's pieces to be developed forwards. The move d4 also puts pressure on Black's position and creates the possibility of advancing the pawn further, if Black does not react correctly. The pawn on d4 can become a central player in the game and offer protection for White's pieces.

In the Modern Defense: Pseudo-Austrian Attack, Black typically responds to White's move d4 with Bg7. This move develops the bishop to an active square, where it can help to control the center and provide a potential attack. By placing the bishop on g7, Black also reinforces the pawn on d6, which can be important in defending this area of the board. Additionally, the bishop on g7 can eye up White's pawn on f4, which is a central part of the Pseudo-Austrian setup. In sum, Bg7 is a key move in the Modern Defense and helps to create a solid and flexible position for Black.

In response to Black's move Bg7, White plays Nc3 as a move of development, aiming to prepare the way for castle on the kingside. The knight on c3 also controls the d5-square and puts pressure on Black's pawn structure. By playing Nc3, White also prepares to continue the Pseudo-Austrian Attack setup with the move f4, which pins the knight on e6. This move also allows the possibility of putting pressure on Black's position by playing e5. In sum, Nc3 is a key part of the Pseudo-Austrian Attack and helps White to gain more control over the board.

In response to White's move Nc3, Black typically responds with the move d6. This move allows Black's bishop on g7 to control the long diagonal and protects the pawn on e7 in case of an eventual pawn exchange. The move d6 also helps to reinforce Black's pawn structure and prepares for the development of the knight to d7. By playing d6, Black is not immediately contending for the center but is instead opting for a solid defense and flexible position. Additionally, by playing d6, Black can potentially respond to a further pawn advance by White in the center with the move ...c5, which can gain space and counterattack.

In the Modern Defense: Pseudo-Austrian Attack, White often plays f4 after developing the knight to c3 and the bishop to g7. This move reinforces White's pawn structure in the center and creates a strong control over the e5-square. The move f4 also attacks Black's pawn on g6, intending to force its capture or to weaken Black's kingside. Additionally, this move pins the knight on e6, which is an important protector of the pawn on d4. The move f4 can often lead to an unbalanced game, as it gives White more space and can create open lines for attack.