Chess Openings·Pirc Defence, Classical Variation

Semi-Open Game

Pirc Defence, Classical Variation

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2

Step through

9 / 9
  1. 1.
  3. 2.
  5. 3.
  7. 4.
  9. 5.

Tap a move to jump to that position.

The centre is handed over on purpose and shot at from a distance. A bishop goes to the side square and takes the long diagonal. Of the four central squares, pawns stand on d4 · e4. Nothing has been captured yet. Neither side has castled yet.

The position

Length
9 moves
To move
Black
Legal replies
34
Minor pieces out
White 3 · Black 2
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
rnbqk2r/ppp1ppbp/3p1np1/8/3PP3/2N2N2/PPP1BPPP/R1BQK2R b KQkq - 3 5

Move by move

Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.

  1. 1.e4White: Pawn e2→e4
  2. 1…d6Black: Pawn d7→d6
  3. 2.d4White: Pawn d2→d4
  4. 2…Nf6Black: Knight g8→f6
  5. 3.Nc3White: Knight b1→c3
  6. 3…g6Black: Pawn g7→g6
  7. 4.Nf3White: Knight g1→f3
  8. 4…Bg7Black: Bishop f8→g7
  9. 5.Be2White: Bishop f1→e2

Nearby lines

first 6 moves shared

Pirc Defence…Nf6 Nc3 g6Pirc Defence, Austrian Attack…f4King's Pawn Openinge4Open Game…e5Sicilian Defence…c5French Defence…e6

Common questions

Q. What are the moves of Pirc Defence, Classical Variation?

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2

Q. Which family does it belong to?

Semi-Open Game — 1.e4 met by anything other than 1…e5.

Q. Who is to move next?

After 9 moves it is Black to move.