Pirc Defense
Black lets White take the center and builds a compact kingside fortress, waiting for the right moment to strike back.
| First moves | 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 |
|---|---|
| ECO codes | B07-B09 |
| Character | Hypermodern, flexible, counterattacking |
| Best for | Players who want a solid but unbalanced answer to 1.e4 |
Open any line on the analysis board, or play it out against a bot from where it ends.
Related openings
Caro-Kann Defense
The solid answer to 1.e4 that keeps the light-squared bishop free - the French Defense without the bad bishop.
King's Indian Defense
Give White the center, then blow it up. The most uncompromising way to meet 1.d4.
Scandinavian Defense
Challenge the center on move one. Low theory, clear plans, and a structure you get every single game.
The setup
Black plays ...d6, ...Nf6, ...g6, ...Bg7 and ...O-O, then strikes at the center with ...c5 or ...e5. The bishop on g7 is the heart of the opening: when White's center is challenged, it suddenly bites down the long diagonal.
The Pirc is close to the Modern Defense (1...g6) and shares ideas with the King's Indian, but against 1.e4 White has not committed the c-pawn, which gives both sides different options.
White's main tries
- Austrian Attack (4.f4). The most ambitious: White builds e4-d4-f4 and threatens e5. Black must counter quickly with ...c5 or ...Na6 and ...c5.
- Classical (4.Nf3 and 5.Be2). Calm development, aiming for a small edge with no risk.
- 150 Attack (4.Be3 and 5.Qd2). White plans Bh6 to trade the g7 bishop, then castles long and storms with h4-h5.
Playing it as Black
The key is timing: break with ...c5 or ...e5 before White's center becomes overwhelming, and do not let the g7 bishop be traded for nothing. Against the 150 Attack, ...c6 and ...b5 give fast queenside play.
Against an early f4 and e5, look for ...Nfd7 and a quick ...c5: the white pawns become targets once they advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pirc Defense good?
It is sound and has been used at the highest level, though White has several dangerous attacking setups. It suits players who are comfortable defending first and counterattacking later.
What is the difference between the Pirc and the Modern Defense?
In the Pirc Black plays ...Nf6 early, provoking Nc3; in the Modern Black starts with ...g6 and ...Bg7 and keeps the knight back, which allows White to set up with c4.
How do you attack the Pirc?
The Austrian Attack with f4 and the 150 Attack with Be3, Qd2 and Bh6 are the most aggressive. Both aim to use White's space before Black can strike at the center.