The Pirc-Ufimtsev Defence - Learn Chessbase

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Login Chess news Shop About ChessBase More chess? ChessBaseshop The Pirc-Ufimtsev Defence 1.e2-e4 d7-d6 2.d2-d4 Ng8-f6

1. e2–e4 d7-d6 Black adopts a modest setup with this pawn move which controls the e5-square and prepares the development of the knight to f6. 2. d2-d4 White accepts the chance to occupy the centre with a second pawn. 2...Ng8-f6 Black develops his knight and attacks the e4-pawn. 3. Nb1-c3 White develops his knight and protects the pawn on e4. 3...g7-g6 After this move we have the basic position of the Pirc Defence. Black is planning to fianchetto his dark-squared bishop, i.e. develop it to g7, and to castle immediately afterwards. Black’s setup is slightly passive, since he concedes more space in the centre to White. Black will later attack this centre with moves like …e7-e5 or …c7-c5.

Ausgangsstellung Pirc-Verteidigung

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In the following diagrams you can return to the starting position with and from there you can go backwards and forwards through the opening moves with the arrow keys and

Subsequently click on the name of the opening in order to get more detailed information.

Classical System: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 0-0 6.0-0

In the Classical System White quickly develops his kingside and castles short. That is a solid and quiet setup against the Pirc Defence. 4...B8-g7 Black continues with his plan. 5. Bf1-e2 White brings his bishop into the game. 5...0-0 6.0-0 After both sides have brought their king to safety by castling short the middlegame can slowly begin, But before that both sides need to bring the rest of their forces into play. Black often develops his bishop to g4 or with moves like …c7-c6 and …Qd8-c7 he prepares the advance … e7-e5. For his part White brings his dark-squared bishop into play and centralises his major pieces, i,e, he puts the queen on d2 and the rooks on the central files on e1 and d1.

Three Pawns Attack with 4.f4

Three Pawns Attack with 5...0-0: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 0-0

The Three Pawns Attack is a way to immediately exploit the modest plan of the Pirc. White sets up a massive phalanx in the centre. Now the advance e4-e5 with a future attack on the king is on the cards. Black must play actively and accurately.

Three Pawns Attack with 5... c7-c5: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 c5

In the most famous match of all time, Fischer-Spassky, Reykjavik 1972, the Pitrc was played in a world championship match for the first time. Fischer played 5... c5 with Black and the game later ended in a draw. With 4... c5 Black immediately attacks White's centre.

The 150 Attack: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3

White starts an aggressive setup which is seen in many openings. White is planning f2-f3, Qd1-d2 and long castling with the intention of attacking on the kingside. Black tries to counter this plan with a flank attack by playing … c7-c6 followed by …b7-b5. Black frequently delays the development of the dark-squared bishop to g7 in order to quickly become active on the queenside,