Pirc: 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 (Classical)

Pirc: 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3

Definition

The move-order 1.e4 d6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 is a principal branch of the Pirc Defence, often called the Classical (or Two Knights) System. After White develops both knights, the position usually continues 3…g6, when Black prepares to fianchetto the king’s bishop and adopt the characteristic Pirc setup (…Bg7, …0-0, …c6, …e5 or …c5).

How It Is Used in Play

The sequence serves specific purposes for each side:

• White puts immediate pressure on the e5-square, keeping the option of d2–d4 or f2–f4. By delaying d4, White can choose a system flexibly after seeing Black’s exact piece placement.
• Black aims for a compact, hyper-modern setup. By refraining from an early …e5, Black invites White to occupy the centre first, intending to undermine it later with pawn breaks like …c5 or …e5.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: White often plays d2–d4 (Austrian Attack) or d2–d3 (Positional lines). Black counters from a distance with piece play and pawn breaks.
• King Safety: Both sides usually castle kingside, but opposite-side castling may occur if White launches a quick queenside expansion with Be3, Qd2, and 0-0-0.
• Piece Manoeuvres: Black’s light-squared bishop fianchettos on g7, controlling the long diagonal. White’s dark-squared bishop often goes to e2, g2, or c4, depending on the chosen plan.

Main Continuations

1. 3…g6 4.d4 Bg7 5.Be2 0-0 6.0-0 (Classical System). Positional middlegames with manoeuvring around the e4- and d5-squares.
2. 3…g6 4.d4 Bg7 5.f4 (Austrian Attack). A sharp line where White builds a broad centre and prepares e4-e5 or f4-f5.
3. 3…g6 4.d4 Bg7 5.Be3 (150 Attack setup). White seeks a quick queenside castle and pawn storm on the kingside.
4. 3…c6 4.d4 Qa5 (Pribyl or Czech Defence transposition). Black keeps flexible pawn structures and avoids the main fianchetto.

Historical & Notable Games

• Fischer – Hort, Palma de Mallorca 1970 Fischer employed 4.d4 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.0-0, steering into a Classical structure and outplaying his opponent in a subtle manoeuvring game.
• Kramnik – Topalov, Dortmund 2001 An instructive Austrian Attack (5.f4) where Kramnik sacrificed a pawn for swift development, highlighting the dynamic possibilities for White.

Example Mini-Game

See how quickly play sharpens after the starting moves:

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move order appeals to players who enjoy “system openings” – you can reach similar middlegames regardless of Black’s precise replies.
• Grandmaster Ulf Andersson famously adopted the solid 5.Be2 line, scoring exceptional results by squeezing opponents in seemingly quiet positions.
• The Pirc was once considered dubious at elite level, but champions such as Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Veselin Topalov included it in their repertoires, proving its resilience.
• Modern engines show the position after 1.e4 d6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 to be nearly equal (≈0.20) yet extremely unbalanced, making it a popular practical weapon.

Practical Tips

• If you play White, decide early whether you want a sharp Austrian Attack (f-pawn forward) or a calmer Classical setup (Be2, 0-0).
• As Black, time your central break …e5 or …c5 carefully—too early invites tactics, too late grants White a space advantage.
• Study pawn-storm patterns with opposite-side castling; both sides can attack first!