In 1972, in collaboration with George Botterill, two-times British champion, I published a revolutionary book on 1 … g6 which we named the Modern Defence. At first sight this defence is paradoxical, since it makes no attempt whatsoever to prevent the construction of a gigantic white pawn structure. However, its virtues have subsequently been recognised and it is now mainstream, as this week’s win by the world champion demonstrates. First Steps: The Modern by Cyrus Lakdawala is published by Everyman Chess.
Wei Yi-Carlsen: Bilbao 2016; Modern Defence
1 d4 g6 2 e4 Bg7 3 Nc3 d6 4 Be3 a6 5 f4 b5 6 Nf3 Nd7 7 e5 Bb7 8 Bd3 c5 The dismantling of White’s centre is top priority.
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