A Complete Guide to the Modern/Pirc Complex

When I searched for an opening book on the Modern Defense, I did not fully understand the need to also study the Pirc. I was surprised that the two-book-combo had more coverage on the Pirc.However, I have found over many years that all Starting Out Opening Series books are excellent for players with Fide Ratings from 1400 - 1800. I like the way this book is organized, the games, and tips it provides.To give you an idea of the detail level of the books, I have provided a short text on one of the inovations of the Modern Defense taught by IM Ratkovic in a 365Chess.com sponsored DVD lecture series, which includes an early 4...a6 in place of the historical 4...c6.In the Modern Defense IM Milovan Ratkovic prefers 4…a6 before 4…d6 in some lines presented in his 365Chess.com lecture series. My observations: a6 prevents checks on b5 which can result in the exchange of the light-square bishops and while that is not bad for Black, checks on b5 change the course of Black’s opening plans. Also, if Black plays an early Nf6 – converting the game to a Pirc - then the d7-square is needed as a retreat square if White pushes e5. So, if Black delays a6 and White plays Bb5+ the result can be an exchange on d7 occupying d7 with a piece. Subsequently, if White follows up with e5, Black may be forced to move his Nf6 to an undesirable square. By having the d7-square open when White plays e5, Black's Nf6 finds a haven on d7.Black’s 4…a6 can be part of an extended plan that includes b5. This encourages White to play one of the main lines 5. a4, which weakens White’s Q-side pawn structure and discourages White from castling Q-side. Also, with White castled K-side, the threat of White initiating a successful K-side pawn-storm diminishes, as White’s King-safety is inversely related to the advance of White’s K-side pawns.The use of a6 as part of the Modern was discussed by R.D. Keene and G.S. Botterill in “The Modern Defense” first published in 1972. The idea of 4…a6 is found in Chapter 14 as an alternative to the historical 4…c6. The authors indicate that 4…a6 is used to counter White after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Be3… or 4. Bg5. The move 4…a6 has advantages over 4…c6 as it doesn’t block the h1-a8 diagonal facilitating the fianchettoe of Black’s Bc8. When Black’s plan anticipates b5, a6 saves a tempo over 4. c6 as it doesn’t impede Nc6. (...)This short description gives you an idea of the detail this book-combo approaches, but the books' texts are more clearly expressed and organized than my text above. They also give excellent example games, broad views, and recommendations by GMs that have a great deal of teaching experience.