ChessAnalyzerPirc Defence: moves, ideas and plans
A hypermodern defence: Black lets White build a centre, then attacks it with pieces and pawn breaks.
B08Play it as BlackIntermediate12 moves
Main line: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6
Key ideas
- ...d6, ...Nf6 and ...g6 with the bishop on g7.
- Strike later with ...c5 or ...e5.
- Flexible and less theory-heavy than the main Sicilians.
The Pirc Defence move by move
Every move of the main line, with the reason it is played. The final position is recognised in the opening database as B08 Pirc Defense: Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense.
- 1. e4Centre.
- 1… d6The Pirc: flexible and hypermodern.
- 2. d4White takes the full centre.
- 2… Nf6Attacks e4.
- 3. Nc3Defends e4.
- 3… g6Prepares the fianchetto.
- 4. Nf3The Classical Pirc.
- 4… Bg7The bishop presses on the centre.
- 5. Be2Quiet development.
- 5… O-OBlack castles.
- 6. O-OWhite castles.
- 6… c6Prepares ...b5 or ...Qc7 and ...e5.
Practise the Pirc Defence on an interactive board: play your side's moves and get instant feedback.
More openings for Black
Sicilian Najdorf
Black's fighting answer to 1.e4. Unbalanced positions where Black plays for a win.
French Defence
A solid defence: Black accepts less space in return for a strong chain and counter-play against White's centre.
Caro-Kann Defence
Solid and sound. Black gets the c8 bishop out before playing ...e6, avoiding the French's main problem.