The Modern Tiger

Tiger Hillarp Persson's name is almost synonymous with the Modern Defence, and this book explains why. A follow-up to his 2005 work Tiger's Modern, this is a full rewrite rather than a revision — every line re-analysed, over forty new illustrative games added, and the author's own evolving understanding of the opening reflected throughout.

The Modern Defence begins 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7, inviting White to overextend before striking back. Hillarp Persson's approach is not passive: the repertoire here is built around generating genuine counterplay rather than simply defending. Both a Modern line and a Pirc line are given against the critical Austrian Attack, offering practical flexibility depending on the opponent's setup. Coverage extends to 1.d4 systems when White follows up with c4 and e4.

At 440 pages this is a comprehensive treatment, but Hillarp Persson is an engaging writer who explains the ideas behind his choices rather than just presenting move trees.

Best suited to intermediate players who are willing to play dynamic, double-edged chess from the very first move.