8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Start
Starting position
Start
1. e4
d6
2. d4
Nf6
3. Nc3
g6
About This Opening
A hypermodern defense where Black invites White to build a big center, then undermines it. Named after Slovenian GM Vasja Pirc.
Why Play It?
Black avoids early confrontation and waits for White to overextend. The fianchettoed bishop and flexible pawn structure allow creative counter-play.
Key Ideas
- Let White occupy the center, then attack it
- Fianchetto the bishop to g7 for long-diagonal pressure
- Counter-strike with c5 or e5 at the right moment
- Flexible pawn structure adapts to White's setup