The very first line of this book’s introduction was so important, it had to be on the back cover as well: “The Modern is not an opening. It is a philosophy.” A philosophy, one might add, that many players the world over adhere to: a...

The Modern Defence is an opening that will appeal to player of an experimental nature. Black allows White to establish an apparently impressive position in the centre. The plan is to use this structure as a target – it will be restrained,...