1.e4 — the open games
Pirc Defence, Austrian Attack
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4ECO B09
White's most ambitious answer to the Pirc: a big pawn centre backed by f4, aiming to overrun Black before the fianchettoed bishop and flexible structure pay off. Sharp and demanding for both sides — White must convert the space advantage quickly, or the extended centre becomes a target.
Key ideas
- e4, d4 and f4 together stake a huge claim on the centre, cramping Black's position from the outset.
- White often follows with Nf3, Bd3 and a quick O-O, aiming to attack before Black's counterplay arrives.
- Black counters with …c5 or …Nc6 breaks, hitting the centre before it can be fully consolidated.
Who it suits
Ambitious 1.e4 players who want the most direct, space-grabbing answer to the Pirc.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Pirc Defence, Austrian Attack move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer