blackB07–B09

Pirc Defense

The Pirc Defense (1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6) is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a big center and then counterattacks it. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 puts pressure on d4.

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Variations

About the Pirc Defense

The Pirc is named after Vasja Pirc and became popular in the mid-20th century. Black's strategy is hypermodern — let White overextend in the center, then strike back with ...c5 or ...e5. The Austrian Attack (4.f4) is White's most aggressive try, while the Classical (4.Nf3) leads to a more positional game. The Pirc is related to the King's Indian Defense and shares many strategic themes.

Key Ideas

  • Allow White a big center, then counterattack it
  • The fianchettoed bishop on g7 targets d4
  • ...c5 and ...e5 are the key central breaks
  • Flexible — can transpose to King's Indian structures
  • Be ready for the Austrian Attack (f4) — the sharpest test

Related Openings

King's Indian DefenseAlekhine DefenseSicilian DragonCaro-Kann: Classical

Ready to master the Pirc Defense?

Import this one or your own lines from YouTube, Lichess, or PGN and train with spaced repetition.