Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense, Modern Line

The Modern Line is the Barmen Defense branch in which Black develops the light-squared bishop to g4 before playing ...e6, so it is not shut in behind its own pawns. The pin on the f3-knight works with the queen on d5 against the d4-pawn. Because the c5-pawn stays on its square, Black keeps the option of ...cxd4 without yet giving the c3-square back to White's knight. The engine gives White a slight edge, and in practice White scores a little better.

By far the most common reply is 6. Be2, which prepares to break the pin and castle. Black's pressure on d4 then has to be met by ordinary development rather than with forcing moves. 6. dxc5, a much rarer choice, settles the central tension at once by taking the c-pawn. 6. Nbd2 is rarer still and protects the f3-knight with a second piece. Both minor alternatives are among the engine's preferred moves, and White has scored better with them than with 6. Be2 in the sample of games, though they are played far less often.