Pirc Defense Classical Schlechter Variation
Pirc Defense – Classical (Two Knights) System, Schlechter Variation
Definition
The Pirc Defense – Classical (Two Knights) System, Schlechter Variation is an opening that arises from the Pirc Defense after the specific move order 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6. It is catalogued under ECO codes B07–B08, with the Schlechter Variation usually listed as B08.10. The line is named after the Austrian grandmaster Carl Schlechter (1874-1918), who experimented with the early …c6-setup in different King’s-Pawn openings.
Typical Move Order
One of the most frequently quoted sequences is:
- e4 d6
- d4 Nf6
- Nc3 g6
- Nf3 Bg7
- Be2 O-O
- O-O c6
From here both sides have several plans. White’s most common continuations are 7. a4, 7. h3, or 7. Re1, each aimed at preparing e4-e5 or stifling Black’s queenside expansion.
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Setup: The Pirc is a hyper-modern opening; Black allows White to occupy the centre and plans to undermine it later. The Schlechter move …c6 supports a timely …d5 break, restrains a potential White knight leap to b5, and prepares …b5 if Black wishes to expand on the queenside.
- White’s Approach: In the Classical (Two Knights) System White develops naturally, castles early, and keeps options flexible. Typical ideas include e4-e5 to gain space, f2-f4 for a kingside initiative, or even d4-d5 when …c6 has slightly weakened the d6 pawn’s defense.
- Pawn Structure: After …c6, Black often aims for a structure resembling the Caro-Kann with pawns on d6 and c6, bishops on g7 and c8, and knights maneuvering behind the pawn chain.
- Piece Play: The dark-squared bishop on g7 is Black’s pride, exerting long-diagonal pressure. White frequently tries to blunt it with Be3, Qd2 and h2-h3 / g2-g4, or by closing the centre with e4-e5.
Historical Significance
Although the Pirc did not become mainstream until the mid-20th century, the Schlechter Variation predates the modern naming convention. Carl Schlechter played similar …c6 ideas as early as 1905. The line received renewed attention in the 1960s–1970s when grandmasters like Lajos Portisch and Efim Geller used it to avoid heavily analysed main lines of the Sicilian and French while keeping dynamic chances.
Illustrative Game
The following miniature shows typical themes:
Black’s …c6 bolstered the center, and when the pawn finally advanced to e5-e4 it unleashed the g7-bishop. White’s pieces became tangled, illustrating why the Schlechter line can be poisonous if White drifts.
Modern Usage
The Schlechter Variation is popular at club level because it reduces concrete theory compared to razor-sharp alternatives like the 150-Attack or Austrian Attack. At elite level it is employed as a surprise weapon; for instance, Teimour Radjabov and Vladimir Kramnik have used it in rapid or blitz events to steer the game into less-analysed territory.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Carl Schlechter was famous for his sportsmanship; he once offered a draw to Steinitz in a winning position. His calm, positional style is mirrored in the …c6 system that bears his name.
- The move 6…c6 can transpose into a Czech Pirc (…c6 & …e5) or even a Philidor-type structure (…Nbd7 & …e5), giving Black great flexibility.
- Some databases label 6…c6 as the “Vojinovic Variation,” referencing Serbian GM Milan Vojinović, who revived the line in the 1990s; however, “Schlechter” remains the traditional term.
Sample Repertoire Tip
If you wish to adopt the Schlechter Variation as Black, consider memorising the following core ideas rather than move-by-move theory:
- Delay …e5 until your king is safe and the centre is stable.
- Use …b5-b4 to harass a White knight on c3 whenever the opportunity arises.
- Trade dark-squared bishops only when you can quickly occupy the d4-square with a knight.
- If White plays f2-f4, meet it with …e5 striking back in the centre.
Conclusion
The Pirc Defense – Classical (Two Knights) System, Schlechter Variation offers Black a sound, flexible structure with latent counter-attacking chances. Its moderate theoretical load and rich strategic content make it an enduring choice for players seeking a complex middlegame without confronting the heaviest Pirc theory head-on.