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Pirc Defense
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ECO B07

Pirc Defense

A flexible, counterattacking defense against 1.e4 where Black builds a compact kingside fortress and strikes at White's expanded pawn center.

Pirc Defense Interactive Move Trainer

Step 0 of 6
Position Analysis
Starting position. Use the controls below to step through the moves.

Core Strategic Ideas

  • Fianchetto the bishop to g7 to pressurize the central dark squares.: Fianchetto the bishop to g7 to pressurize the central dark squares.
  • Lure White into overextending central pawns, then undermine them with ...e5 or ...c5.: Lure White into overextending central pawns, then undermine them with ...e5 or ...c5.
  • Maintain flexible piece placement ready for rapid tactical counters.: Maintain flexible piece placement ready for rapid tactical counters.

♔ White's Strategic Plan

Form an imposing center with f4 (Austrian Attack) or develop calmly with Be3 and Nf3.

♚ Black's Strategic Plan

Castle kingside, undermine White's center with ...c5 or ...e5, and expand queenside with ...a6 and ...b5.

Main Variations

Austrian Attack (4.f4)Classical Variation (4.Nf3)150 Attack (Be3, Qd2)

Related Openings

King's Indian DefenseModern DefenseSicilian Defense
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