Pirc Defense
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6
A defense for Black
Let White build a centre, then undermine it from the flanks.
Show me the opening
0 / 4 moves
The idea
Black allows White a large pawn centre and then counterattacks it with ...g6, ...Bg7, ...O-O, and ...c5 or ...e5. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 becomes Black's best piece.
The plan
Fianchetto the bishop to g7, castle short, and then strike at White's centre with ...c5 or ...e5. The Pirc rewards patient, counterattacking play.
What to play next
Develop with ...g6 and ...Bg7 before playing ...O-O to tuck the king away. White develops with Nc3 and Nf3, then Be2 and castles. After ...c6, Black prepares ...d5 or ...e5 to counterattack in the centre. The bishop on g7 will be the key attacking piece.
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 12 moves
One tip for beginners
The Pirc is easy to learn: play ...d6, ...Nf6, ...g6, ...Bg7, ...O-O every game. The counterattack can wait until you're castled safely.
What to watch out for
Don't be too passive. Once you're castled, you must counterattack or White's space advantage will suffocate you.
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