Opening course · B07 to B09
Learn the Pirc Defence
The Pirc Defence starts with 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O. Let White build a centre, then hit it with the g7 bishop and …c5.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1200 to 2400
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 15 steps
- 3 Key variations 4 steps
- 4 Traps 3 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 10 steps
Key ideas
- …d6, …Nf6, …g6 and …Bg7: aim at the centre from afar.
- Against f4, castle and strike with …c5.
- After dxc5, …Qa5 and …Qxc5+ win the pawn back.
- Never grab e4 while the c3 knight guards it.
Traps you will see
- The knight hops to d5 Set by White
- The bishop on g4 Set by White
- Too early e5 Set by Black
Model games
- Robert James Fischer Viktor Korchnoi Candidates, Curaçao · 1962
- Judit Polgar Magnus Carlsen UNAM, Mexico City · 2012
Questions
Is the Pirc Defence good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1200 to 2400. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Pirc Defence?
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 39 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- The knight hops to d5
- The bishop on g4
- Too early e5