Modern Variation, Normal Line

The Normal Line is the basic position of the Modern Variation. White has pinned the f6-knight, completed the e3/c4/d4 pawn chain and is ready to develop the f1-bishop, while Black has castled behind the classical d5/e6 center. It arises from the parent order 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3, and just as often from 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3, which sidesteps the Nimzo-Indian. With Black to move, the position branches into the main defensive systems of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

The most frequent reply, 6...h6, asks the bishop to declare itself and leads to the Neo-Orthodox Variation. 6...Nbd7 is the Orthodox Defense, which keeps options for ...c6 and a well-timed ...dxc4. 6...b6 prepares a queenside fianchetto to solve the problem of the c8-bishop. The engine rates these three moves highest and considers the position roughly balanced. The less accurate 6...Nc6 blocks the c-pawn, and White scores noticeably better against it. Overall results are close, with White slightly ahead, and draws are uncommon in online play.