The Modern Line is a variation of the Albin Countergambit, catalogued as ECO D08. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. White has doubled pawns on the e-file.
On the Albin Countergambit generally: Black counter-gambits against the Queen's Gambit with ...e5, aiming for an advanced passed d-pawn. Contains the famous Lasker Trap.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 4 Albin Countergambit variations →
The Modern Line goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2. It is a variation of the Albin Countergambit and is catalogued as ECO D08.
The Modern Line is ECO D08. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Albin Countergambit.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 at +0.55 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. White has doubled pawns on the e-file.