Semi-open games

Pirc Defense

1.e4 d6

The Pirc Defense starts with 1.e4 d6 and is catalogued under ECO B00, in the semi-open games half of the book. The catalog indexes 28 lines inside it, grouped into 23 named variations, and the position after those moves has 4 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Pirc Defense
3 plies
Spike Attack
3 plies
Petruccioli Attack
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.e4

    Claims the center with a pawn and opens lines for the queen and king’s bishop.

    Idea: Build quick development and make early castling possible.

  2. 1…d6

    Advances to d6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

4 moves
d4Pirc Defense35 named lines · Lion Defense · Czech DefenseAdvances to d4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.f4Rat Defense: Harmonist2 named lines · Rat Defense: Fuller GambitAdvances the f-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.g4Rat Defense: Spike Attack1 named lineAdvances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.h4Rat Defense: Petruccioli Attack1 named lineAdvances the h-pawn to gain kingside edge space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Pirc Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Pirc Defense.