Pirc Defense
Main Line
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6
Overview
A hypermodern defense where Black lets White build a big center, then attacks it. The kingside fianchetto creates a flexible position. Can transpose into the King's Indian via different move orders.
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Open chess.rodeo ↗Related Openings
1. e4 c5
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5
Frequently asked questions
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What is the Pirc Defense?
The Pirc Defense (ECO code B07) is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6. A hypermodern defense where Black lets White build a big center, then attacks it. The kingside fianchetto creates a flexible position. Can transpose into the King's Indian via different move orders.
What are the main moves of the Pirc Defense?
The main line of the Pirc Defense is 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6. It is classified under ECO code B07 and falls in the Semi-Open Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.
Is the Pirc Defense good for beginners?
The Pirc Defense is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to semi-open game positions. The main line (1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.
What ECO code is the Pirc Defense?
The Pirc Defense is classified as ECO code B07. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.
How do I analyze my Pirc Defense games for free?
Use chess.rodeo for full Stockfish analysis of your Pirc Defense games — no account required, no daily cap, no paywall. Paste your PGN and get instant engine evaluation on every move, including the opening phase. For move-by-move replay without engine output, use our free PGN viewer. Both are completely free with no signup.