Opening Study - Pirc Defense

22 Apr 2013

Since I took up the Pirc Defense recently, I hope to explain the fundamentals of the opening from my viewpoint the amateur.  I want to dedicate this space toward the Austrian Attack sine it is one of two primary systems used against Black (the other is the 150 attack)

For the Pirc to be the Pirc, White starts by playing 1.e4.  The Pirc Defense is known as a hypermodern opening because Black does not choose to occupy the center for want of attacking White from the wings

     White     Black

1.     e4          d6
                         (you need to open a lane for the light squared bishop)

2.     d4          Nf6

3.     Nc3       g6
                         (the fianchetto is done for your dark squared bishop)

4.     f4           Bg7
           (White begins his king-side assault.  He hopes to put a pawn on e5 in order to hem in the fianchettoed bishop)

5.     Nf3         c5

From here White has a couple of good options of attack.  The most dangerous is the Shirov variation, which utilizes his light squared bishop to immediate give check on the Black king.  Or White's d4 pawn captures Black's c5 pawn.  The third choice for White is to venture onto e5

If White chooses the Shirov Black must use it's bishop to cancel the attack.

Regarding the capture of c5 the best course of action for Black is to move his queen to a5 to start a counter attack of sorts. 

Currently, I'm not well versed on the e5 move by White, but it's best to move the knight to either g4 or d7.  The knight on g4 will be pushed back onto h6, but take note you will use it for a counterattack.
The knight on d7 is most suited for a defense if you are have the metal for a good old fashioned fight.

Either way, be prepared and do not let your guard down.  I will say this.  I've lost more than I have won, but I am learning this defenses secrets slowly.

Enjoy your discoveries.


Cheers for Tacoma,
James