Pirc Defense: Classical Variation

One of the most common ways for white to open a game of chess is to play the pawn to e4 on the second move. Playing this move gives white control of the center of the board and opens up potential lines for the queen and bishop. The move to play for black would be to respond with d6 and continue to play the knight to f6, g6, and bishop to g7—setting up what we know as the Pirc Defense: Classical Variation. This opening is a favorite of players who like to counterattack and offers black a chance to make an active move. By playing this opening, black denies white the chance to occupy the center with his pawns and instead allows them to develop minor pieces.

Playing the pawn to d6 on the second move aims to control the central square of e5. Black wants to challenge white's pawn on e4 with their knight and create a pawn chain in the center of the board. This pawn structure provides a solid foundation for black's pieces, particularly their dark-squared bishop. By making this move, black also opens up the possibility of launching an early counterattack against white's pawn on e4, setting the stage for an interesting game.

Playing the pawn to d4 allows white to further establish their control over the center of the board. By pushing this pawn, white gains more space and puts pressure on black's pawn on d6. This move also opens up lines for the queen and bishop, which can now aim to attack black's position. However, playing this move too quickly can be risky, as black can respond by playing the knight to f6, attacking white's pawn on e4 and potentially gaining control of the center themselves. Therefore, white must carefully consider the timing of playing d4 in order to maintain a strong position.

In the Pirc Defense: Classical Variation, playing the knight to f6 on the third move allows black to challenge white's control of the center of the board. By attacking white's pawn on e4, black forces white to either defend the pawn or exchange the knight. This move is also useful because it develops a minor piece and prepares for black's next move of playing g6, which will allow them to fianchetto their bishop on g7. By playing Nf6, black aims to maintain a solid pawn structure in the center of the board and set up a strong defensive position.

Playing the knight to c3 on the third move allows white to develop another minor piece and prepares for possible future positions such as Nf3 and potentially d5. This move also attacks black's knight, which can be forced to retreat or exchange with white's knight. By playing Nc3, white aims to gain more control over the center of the board and provides more support for the pawn on e4. This move also sets up the potential for white to castle kingside and bring their rook into the game. In sum, Nc3 is a strong move for white that helps to develop their pieces and improve their position.

By playing g6, Black aims to fianchetto their dark-squared bishop on g7 and fortify their kingside. This move also adds another defender to the pawn on d6 and prepares for possible future positions such as Ng7 and h5. Additionally, by playing g6, Black can trade off white's knight on c3, which would otherwise exert pressure on Black's position. However, this move weakens Black's pawn structure on the kingside, making it vulnerable to potential attacks by White's pieces. In sum, g6 is a useful move that helps Black to develop their pieces and improve their position, but it must be played with caution and strategic foresight.

In the Pirc Defense: Classical Variation, playing the knight to f3 on the fourth move allows white to further develop their pieces and control the center of the board. By playing Nf3, white aims to support their pawn on e4 and prepares for possible future positions such as d5, attacking black's pawn on c6. This move also puts pressure on black's pawn on d6, making it more difficult for black to control the center. By playing Nf3, white can also set up for possible future positions such as castling kingside and bringing their rooks into play. In sum, this move is a strong option for white that helps to improve their position and prepare for potential attacks.

Playing the bishop to g7 on the fifth move allows Black to fianchetto their dark-squared bishop and strengthen their kingside. This move also prepares for possible future positions such as castling kingside and attacking the center with pawn moves such as d5. By playing Bg7, Black also prepares to potentially trade off white's knight on f3, which would otherwise put pressure on Black's position. Additionally, this move allows Black to control the c1-h6 diagonal, which can be useful in preparing for future attacks or counterattacks. In sum, Bg7 is a strong move that helps Black to develop their pieces and prepare for potential attacks or aggressive moves.