1.e4 — the open games
Pirc Defence
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6ECO B07–B09
Black lets White build a big centre, then attacks it from a distance with a fianchettoed bishop and timely pawn breaks. A hypermodern, counter-punching defence that leads to sharp, unbalanced middlegames.
Key ideas
- Black fianchettoes on g7 and pressures the centre from the flank rather than occupying it.
- The breaks …e5 and …c5 hit White's broad pawn front once the pieces are ready.
- White's most testing try is the Austrian Attack with f4, racing to attack before Black strikes back.
Who it suits
Players who like counter-attacking chess and are comfortable giving White space in return for later punches.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Pirc Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer