Pirc Defense

A hypermodern defense: Black lets White build a big centre, then attacks it with pieces and pawn breaks from a fianchetto setup. It is flexible and combative, suited to players who like counterattacking rather than symmetrical play.

• Allow a big White centre, then undermine it with ...e5 or ...c5
• Fianchetto to g7 and pressure the long diagonal
• Castle quickly and prepare central counter-breaks
• Watch out for the Austrian Attack (f4) and hit back in the centre