Pirc Defense · B07
Byrne Variation
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5
Black lets White build the big centre, fianchettoes on g7, and strikes back at the right moment with ...e5 or ...c5 - counterpunching chess.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Pirc Defense.
- 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 3 more moves in this line, 7 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 28 in the Pirc Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.