King's Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense (E76)

The Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E76. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 Na6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one. It is White to move after five moves.

On the King's Indian Defense generally: A hypermodern defense where Black allows White to build a big center, then counterattacks it.

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.

Position characteristics

• Black development lead

Related King's Indian Defense lines

• Averbakh Variation, Benoni Defense, Exchange Variation
• Averbakh Variation, Main Line
• Four Pawns Attack
• Four Pawns Attack, Dynamic Attack
• Four Pawns Attack
• Four Pawns Attack, Florentine Gambit
• Four Pawns Attack, Normal Attack
• Six Pawns Attack
• Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation
• Semi-Classical Variation, Hollywood Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Benjamin Defense
• Semi-Classical Variation

See all 112 King's Indian Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense?

The Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 Na6. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E76.

What is the ECO code for the Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense?

The Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense is ECO E76. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 Na6 at +0.44 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.

What kind of position does the Four Pawns Attack, Modern Defense lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one. It is White to move.