Opening Overview

Pirc Defense

28 lines
black repertoire

About This Opening

Black lets White build the center and then attacks it with a fianchetto setup.

These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.

The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.

Key ideas
  • Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
  • Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
  • Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
  • Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.

Choose a variation

Pirc Defense
B00 2 plies
1. e4 d6
Pirc Defense
B00 3 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4
Pirc Defense
B00 4 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6
Pirc Defense: Roscher Gambit
B00 5 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nf3
Pirc Defense
B07 6 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6
Pirc Defense: 150 Attack
B07 9 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 c6 5. Qd2
Pirc Defense: 150 Attack, Inner Doll Defense
B07 10 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 c6 5. Qd2 Bg4
Pirc Defense: 150 Attack, Sveshnikov-Jansa Attack
B07 9 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 c6 5. h3
Pirc Defense: Bayonet Attack
B07 9 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. h4
Pirc Defense: Byrne Variation
B07 7 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5
Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation
B07 9 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4
Pirc Defense: Kholmov System
B07 7 plies
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bc4
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