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1.Opening

Pirc Defense

You play BlackB08HypermodernIntermediate

Let White build a big center, then undermine it. Flexible, but requires patience.

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O …

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Classical Variation: position after 7 moves1h2g3f4e5d6c7b8a
Classical Variation: position after 7 moves
2.Ideas

What the opening is about

Key ideas

  1. ...d6, ...Nf6, ...g6, ...Bg7 — a compact kingside setup.
  2. Strike back later with ...e5 or ...c5.
  3. The g7 bishop pressures d4 from a distance.
3.Main line

Main line · 13 moves

Classical Variation

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Your moves Opponent
No. White Black1
e4White grabs the center.
d6The Pirc: prepares ...Nf6 while covering e5.
2
d4White takes the full center.
Nf6Develops and attacks e4.
3
Nc3White defends e4.
g6Prepares the fianchetto.
After 3…g6
After 3…g6
No. White Black4
Nf3The Classical: calm, healthy development.
Bg7The bishop aims at d4 down the long diagonal.
5
Be2White prepares to castle.
O-OBlack castles behind the fianchetto.
6
O-OWhite castles.
c6Controls d5 and b5 and prepares ...b5 or ...Qc7 followed by ...e5.
After 6…c6
After 6…c6
No. White Black7
a4Stops ...b5 queenside expansion.
After 7.a4
After 7.a4
4.Play

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5.More

More defenses against 1.e4