A Question For 1d4/c4 Players Facing The Modern - Chess Forums

Home Play Puzzles Learn Watch News Social More Sign Up Log In English Light UI Dark UI Support

• Forums
• Chess Openings

Sort: Ziggy_Zugzwang Dec 20, 2019 0 #1

What do you play against the Modern (1d4 g6) with an early c5 ?

After 1d4 g6, 2c4 Bg7 ,3 e4 c5, do you prefer to block with d5 or offer a transposition in to the Marcozy Bind territory with Nf3?

In fact:

1/ Have many of you faced this line, and if so how often ? (I suspect rarely)

2/Are you happy as a d4 player to enter the Marcozy Bind, which must be surely be more rarely entered than via the Sicilian and English lines.

With the white pieces I'm very happy to play the Marcozy. So, I'm Just trying to gauge whether as a Modern player - with an early c5 - I would face this system very often.

Thoughts ?

RivertonKnight Dec 22, 2019 0 #2

I would guess after looking at my database that you will face 3...c5, roughly 20% of the time after 1 d4 g6 2 c4 Bg7 3 e4.

Ziggy_Zugzwang Dec 22, 2019 0 #3

Thanks for the response. I've been looking a little at the "Pterodactyl" which may be a line that deserves to be played more than it is.

RivertonKnight Dec 22, 2019 0 #4

So are you investigating from the White or Black side?

Ziggy_Zugzwang Dec 23, 2019 0 #5

Both actually since it forms an intersection of a possible white and black repertoire. As white I like pawns on c4,d4, and e4, with a knight on f3. As black I feel I need to play against what I regard - I know its subject- as white's best line. Currently I'm seeing long term strategic pull for white but possibly short term tactical possibilities for black. I've never faced the Pterodactyl as white but could certainly end  playing it in a game as black

I've ordered Schiller's book on the variation.

RivertonKnight Dec 23, 2019 0 #6

I prefer 3...d6 or 3...Nc6, I don't remember for sure, but I think Black is in for a tough go after 3...c5 4 dc.

wilsonga0 Dec 23, 2019 0 #7 1. d4 g6 2. e4! I have like a 80% win rate here Ziggy_Zugzwang Dec 23, 2019 0 #8 Alika05 wrote: 1. d4 g6 2. e4! I have like a 80% win rate here

Can I twist your arm for this then:

https://www.chess.com/tournament/the-modern-1

Ziggy_Zugzwang Dec 23, 2019 0 #9 RivertonKnight wrote:

I prefer 3...d6 or 3...Nc6, I don't remember for sure, but I think Black is in for a tough go after 3...c5 4 dc.

Yeah dc looks good, especially against Nc3 according to stats. Against white's c4 the stats indicate greater play-ability for black. Nevertheless, not many games with this latter variation.

NM ChessDoofus Dec 23, 2019 0 #10

Unless we’re not all talking about the same position, I disagree that 4. dxc5 is a good option for white

RivertonKnight Dec 23, 2019 0 #11

Yes, dpnorman, I was confusing variations.

joseb84 Dec 24, 2019 0 #12

As white when I face 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 I tend to avoid 3. e4 for the very reason I really don't know the Modern at all. I'll do the same against the Pirc. I'll tend to play 3. g3, as that's my favourite setup study both the KGD and Gruenfeld that are most likely to transpire.

Log In or Join Forums Hot Topics Unanswered -- Category -- Most Recent Down to 750 Elo and STILL losing! T_T ChessUnicorn_CN 2 min ago Stupid Caro Kann! VeryCoolMan85 3 min ago How to Beat Your First Chess Bot Raghurajpatel 9 min ago Streamer/Youtuber Offers Chess Lessons Kestony 14 min ago Gothamchess or Hikaru Hanino_il_panino13 16 min ago what is the reason behind your user name? HangingPiecesChomper 18 min ago 2025 Speed Chess Championship: Official Discussion Thread Iwantedtoplay 38 min ago Ask your GM Chesscoach ElsayedEM1 39 min ago What's the best opening for black after d4 ? IM pfren 45 min ago Analyse this games plz ChessUnicorn_CN 46 min ago Forum Legend Following New Comments Locked Topic Pinned Topic