Robatsch (Modern) defence

The Robatsch Defence, also known as the Modern Defence, is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. e4 g6

It is a hypermodern opening, meaning that Black's strategy is to allow White to occupy the center with pawns, only to attack and undermine it later with piece play. The Robatsch Defence is named after the Austrian chess player Karl Robatsch, who was a prominent player of this opening in the 20th century.

Here are some reasons why to play the Robatsch Defence:

1. Flexibility: The Robatsch Defence allows Black to develop their pieces in a variety of ways, depending on how White responds. This can make it difficult for White to prepare for a specific line of play.

2. Solid structure: By fianchettoing their bishop to g7, Black creates a solid pawn structure that is difficult to attack. This can provide a good foundation for a long-term strategic game.

3. Creative possibilities: The Robatsch Defence is known for its complex and unbalanced positions, which can lead to creative and unconventional strategies. If you enjoy playing outside-the-box chess, the Robatsch Defence might be a good fit for you.

4. Suitable for rapid and blitz games: The Robatsch Defence can be a good choice for rapid and blitz games, as it allows Black to develop quickly and put pressure on White's center.

However, there are also some potential downsides to playing the Robatsch Defence:

1. Passive play: If Black is not careful, they can end up with a cramped position and limited piece activity. This can make it difficult to generate counterplay and put pressure on White.

2. Requires precise play: The Robatsch Defence can be a double-edged sword, as it often leads to complex positions that require precise calculation and evaluation. If you are not comfortable with this type of play, you may find the Robatsch Defence challenging.

3. Not as popular at the top level: While the Robatsch Defence has been played by some top chess players, it is not as popular as some other openings at the highest level of play. This may make it more difficult to find high-quality resources and analysis for this opening.

In conclusion, the Robatsch Defence is a solid and flexible opening that can lead to creative and complex positions. However, it requires precise play and can sometimes lead to passive positions for Black. If you enjoy hypermodern openings and are willing to put in the work to study and understand this opening, the Robatsch Defence may be a good choice for you.