ECO B07ECO B00 Play as Black

Pirc Defense

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Moves

  1. 1.
  2. 2.
  3. 3.

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About the Pirc Defense

A hypermodern defense where Black allows White to build a center before attacking it.

Move by move

  1. White takes central space.
  2. Prepares Nf6 without blocking the bishop.
  3. White claims more space.
  4. Attacks e4.
  5. Defends e4.
  6. The Pirc! Prepares Bg7 fianchetto to pressure the center.

Lines with this name

The ECO classification gives the name Pirc Defense to 2 lines:

  • B07 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6
  • B00 1. e4 d6

Counter this opening

How to respond when your opponent plays the Pirc Defense

Anti-Pirc: Austrian Attack The most aggressive response to the Pirc. White builds a massive pawn center and prepares e5.

Variations of the Pirc Defense

Pirc Defense: 150 AttackPirc Defense: Austrian AttackPirc Defense: Bayonet AttackPirc Defense: Byrne VariationPirc Defense: Chinese VariationPirc Defense: Classical VariationPirc Defense: Kholmov SystemPirc Defense: Roscher GambitPirc Defense: Sveshnikov System