Pirc Defense
ECO B07, B00 · 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6
The Pirc Defense, 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6, lets White build a big center and then attacks it from the flanks. The bishop on g7 and the moves ...c5 or ...e5 are Black's main weapons.
Plans for White
White's most aggressive tries are the Austrian Attack (f4) and the 150 Attack (Be3, Qd2, Bh6 and h4). Calmer systems with Nf3 and Be2 aim for a lasting space advantage.
Plans for Black
Black castles kingside, then strikes the center with ...e5 or ...c5, often supported by ...Nc6 or ...c6 and ...b5. Timing these breaks is the key skill.
Typical pawn structures
White's e4 and d4 pawns against Black's d6 and g6; after ...e5 a King's Indian-like structure can appear.
Who it suits
Flexible, counterpunching players who are comfortable defending against kingside attacks and like to strike back at the center at the right moment.
Common traps
In the 150 Attack, Black must not castle into Bh6, h4-h5 attacks without counterplay; in the Austrian, the e5 push can win pieces if Black's knight has no retreat.
Variations
- Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4
- Pirc Defense: Classical Variation — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3
- Pirc Defense: 150 Attack — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 c6 5. Qd2
- Pirc Defense: Roscher Gambit — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nf3
- Pirc Defense: Byrne Variation — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5
- Pirc Defense: Kholmov System — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bc4
- Pirc Defense: Sveshnikov System — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. g3
- Pirc Defense: Bayonet Attack — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. h4
- Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation — 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4