B07 · Pirc Defense

Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation

1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4
♜♞♝♛♚♜♟♟♟♟♟♝♟♟♞♟♟♟♟♞♟♟♟♝♟♟♜♝♛♚♞♜
The position after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4, Black to move.

In the Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.

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The Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code B07. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4: 9 moves in, with Black to play.

It belongs to the Pirc Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

Club players rarely lose the Pirc Defense: Chinese Variation in the opening itself. They lose it a few moves later, when the plan behind the moves runs out: that is what reading your own games in this line shows you.

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Related openings

Pirc DefensePirc DefensePirc DefensePirc Defense: Roscher GambitPirc DefenseCzech DefenseKing's Pawn Game: Maroczy DefenseLion Defense: Anti-PhilidorLion Defense: Anti-Philidor, Lion's CaveLion Defense: Anti-Philidor, Lion's Cave, Lion Claw Gambit

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