B00–B09 Semi-open games

Pirc Defense

Black lets White build a center, then attacks it with pieces and pawn breaks.

Best for

Flexible Black players who are comfortable defending space and counterattacking later.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

0 started · 0 mastered

01Pirc DefenseB00 · 1 movenew02Pirc DefenseB00 · 2 movesnew03Pirc DefenseB00 · 2 movesnew04Pirc Defense: Roscher GambitB00 · 3 movesnew05Pirc DefenseB07 · 3 movesnew

Browse all 28 lines

Open the catalogue only when you need a specific branch.

Austrian Attack8 lines
Classical Variation7 lines
Main line4 lines
150 Attack3 lines
Bayonet Attack1 lines
Byrne Variation1 lines
Chinese Variation1 lines
Kholmov System1 lines
Roscher Gambit1 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

Start 2 more

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White's plan

  1. 01 Build the center with e4 and d4.
  2. 02 Develop before pushing the kingside pawns.
  3. 03 Use e5 when it dislodges a key defender.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Pressure d4 with ...Bg7.
  2. 02 Prepare ...c5 or ...e5.
  3. 03 Avoid passive piece placement behind the center.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

d4 is the main target, e5 gains White space, and c5 is Black's common counterbreak.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Challenge White's center before it becomes permanent.
  • Keep the king safe when White expands with f4.