Modern Variation

The Modern Variation, 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3, has White forgo an early c4 and f4 in favor of a modest spatial plus that is easier to hold. The knight develops and stands ready to recapture on e5. The pin 4...Bg4 is the most frequent reply and has its own ECO code, B05. After 5. Be2 Black often gives up the bishop on f3 to weaken White's grip on d4, although 5...Bxf3 at once is a mistake because of 6. Bxf3 dxe5 7. c4 Nb6 8. Bxb7, which wins the exchange. The Panov Variation, 5. h3, allows 5...Bxf3 6. Qxf3 dxe5 7. dxe5 e6, which loosens White's center.

The Larsen Variation, 4...dxe5 5. Nxe5, removes the e5-pawn. Its waiting line 5...c6 has overtaken 4...Bg4 in top-level play. The Alburt Variation, 4...g6, puts a fianchetto against the pawn center and is usually met by 5. Bc4. Fischer used both 4...g6 and 4...Bg4 against Spassky in 1972. Less common are 4...Nb6, the Schmid Variation, and 4...Nc6, the Larsen-Haakert. Engines give White a slight edge, and practical results are close to level.