Openings Guide / Semi-Open Games (1.e4, not 1...e5)
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6
The Pirc Defense is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a strong center and then attacks it with pieces, especially the fianchettoed bishop on g7. It's a flexible system that can lead to highly complex positions.
After 4.f4 (the Austrian Attack), White builds a massive pawn center and attacks immediately. The Classical System (4.Be3 or 4.Nf3) is more positional. The Pirc bishop on g7 becomes a powerful piece in the middlegame and especially in the endgame.
| Variation | Moves |
|---|---|
| Austrian Attack | 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.e5 |
| Classical System | 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 |
| Byrne Variation | 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 |