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Modern Defense: what should White play?
Best move
d4+0.58
By playing d4, you seize full control of the center and open lines for your c1. This classic central duo with the e4 pawn clamps down on the e5 and c5 squares, forcing Black to…
- Games played
- 8.32M
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.58
- Depth
- 25
Why d4 is the best move
d4! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing d4, you seize full control of the center and open lines for your c1. This classic central duo with the e4 pawn clamps down on the e5 and c5 squares, forcing Black to react to your space advantage immediately.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| d4 | +0.58 | Classical Dominance: Occupying the center to restrict Black's pieces. |
| h4 | +0.43 | Aggressive Flank Attack: Probing the kingside to weaken the g7's shelter. |
Different paths, same destination: While d4 is the most principled and popular choice (found by 37% of players), the engine also loves the spicy h4. Your choice is the solid, positional foundation of the opening, whereas the alternative seeks to create immediate chaos on the kingside. Both are objectively excellent!
Your Continuation
After d4:
d5 exd5 Nf6 Bc4 O-O
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That Black's hypermodern setup with g6 and g7 invites you to take the center. By not delaying d4, you prevent Black from easily coordinating a counter-strike against your e4 pawn.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style! Whether you prefer the central control of d4 or the aggressive thrust of h4, you are playing at a high level.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 8.32M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| d4Engine pick | +0.58 | 0 | 0% | |
| h4 | +0.43 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nf3 | +0.34 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nge2 | +0.27 | 0 | 0% | |
| Bc4 | +0.26 | 0 | 0% |
More positions in the Modern Defense
All Modern Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Modern Defense?
d4 (+0.58). By playing d4, you seize full control of the center and open lines for your c1. This classic central duo with the e4 pawn clamps down on the e5 and c5 squares, forcing Black to…
Why is d4 the best move here?
By playing d4, you seize full control of the center and open lines for your c1. This classic central duo with the e4 pawn clamps down on the e5 and c5 squares, forcing Black to react to your space advantage immediately.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 8.32M times in the opening book.