Chess openings · ECO B07–B09 · Updated October 10, 2026

Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, 150 Attack and plans

The Pirc Defense is a hypermodern defense: Black lets White build a big center and then undermines it, with the fianchettoed bishop on g7 as the key piece.

Starts with: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 · ECO: B07–B09

Austrian Attack

4.f4: the most aggressive try

White builds a huge center with e4, d4 and f4 and aims for e5. Stockfish: about +0.7.

150 Attack

Be3, Qd2 and Bh6 to trade the g7 bishop

White plans Bh6 and a kingside pawn storm; Black counters on the queenside with ...b5. About +0.3.

Plans for Black

Undermine the center with ...c5 or ...e5.
Queenside counterplay with ...c6 and ...b5.
Keep the g7 bishop; it is the soul of the Pirc.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pirc Defense good?

Yes. It is sound and flexible, but Black must know how to meet White’s aggressive setups.

What is the difference between the Pirc and Modern Defense?

In the Modern, Black plays ...g6 and ...Bg7 before ...Nf6, keeping more options.