Master the Pirc Defence: A strategic and dynamic approach

Attacking like in the King's Indian Defence

Contents
Contents

In this chapter, we will explore the typical King's Indian attack through the study of two games. This scenario arises when white decides to close the centre and plays d5 in response to black’s e7-e5 push. I have selected two games for you: Geller, E - Vasiukov, E played in 1968, where black launched a violent attack using their pawns to create weaknesses in the opponent’s camp; and Hansen, E - Carlsen, M played in 2018, where Carlsen opted for active piece play. This pawn structure will occur frequently, and it’s beneficial to know the ideas presented here.

1
Introduction
2
Understanding the Pirc
3
The Classical Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3
4
Fianchetto Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.g3
5
The 4.Bf4!? Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bf4
6
The 4.Bg5 Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5
7
The Saemisch Attack 4.Be3 a6 5.Qd2 or f3
8
The 150 Attack 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3 a6 5.h3!?
9
“Universal” Variation 5.Qd2 followed by Bh6
10
The 4.Be2 Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be2
11
The Austrian Attack 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4
12
Minor Variations
13
Conclusion
14
Exercises
15
Bonus
Understanding the Pirc
Attacking the Centre
1
Introduction
2
Understanding the Pirc
3
The Classical Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3
4
Fianchetto Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.g3
5
The 4.Bf4!? Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bf4
6
The 4.Bg5 Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5
7
The Saemisch Attack 4.Be3 a6 5.Qd2 or f3
8
The 150 Attack 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3 a6 5.h3!?
9
“Universal” Variation 5.Qd2 followed by Bh6
10
The 4.Be2 Variation 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be2
11
The Austrian Attack 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4
12
Minor Variations
13
Conclusion
14
Exercises
15
Bonus