Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Pirc Defense!

[@ajoshi1170]

I have had great attacking games against the 150 attack but was honestly not as prepared vs the Austrian. The lines you covered were well prepared and very helpful!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for the kind words and am glad you enjoyed it! Ya playing against the 150 Attack is super fun! Definitely my favorite line/variation to play against.

[@skyeruddell3196]

Oh wow, I've been hoping you would cover this!

[@skyeruddell3196]

So worth the wait, didn't disappoint. So many interesting lines. BTW what does pine oil mean? Isaac won't tell me 🤷‍♀️....

[@pepperwestwood]

I take it there’s a relation here with the few Ruddells I’ve seen comment lol. Do you actually chess and been wanting this video for reals or just boosting the fam? :p lol either way, nice! Chess Giant is da man!

[@ibironkeakinolajr4768]

yes! Been waiting forever for this!!

[@TheChessGiant]

Sorry it took me so long!

[@addamazeing2299]

0:20 Start 1:25 Against the 150 Attack 9:50 What to do as White with the 150 Attack 12:19 Review + Against Austrian Attack (f4) 14:54 Review + Against bishop/pawns 16:06 Review + As White 27:50 Kf3, Quiet chess This is just for me, don't worry about it

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for posting this!

[@Alex-343]

I worry about chess all the time In fact im about to queue a game up where i know opponent wont enter the line i want Theyll probably start with queens pawn opening

[@aadityabedi3140]

Long live the chess giant

[@TheChessGiant]

Hahaha thanks brotha!

[@Via78wiw]

You are very good teacher! Thank you!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you for the kind words! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@giannisf5456]

excellent video!! nice job!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you Giannis! Glad you enjoyed it, the Pirc Defense is a great system. More Pirc content on the way!

[@jonshive5482]

Some neat tricks in here. Doubt if I'll remember half of them but that's cool. BTW at 9:45 what if White plays e5? That opens up an attack on Black's undefended g-pawn while blocking the Bishop g7's diagonal. There's ...Bb7 attacking White's Rook on h1 but after, say, Rh2 then what? ...Qe8 seems too passive and taking pawns on e5 or d4 could open up the position (prematurely?). Thanks for your kind attention. Cheers!

[@TheChessGiant]

Great question!! I haven't plugged this position into Stockfish, but at first sight I wonder if cxd4 is a good move for black? We would be attacking the dark-squared bishop, and if Bxd4 we can play something like Nxe5. Seems like black has come great tactical stuff here... let me know what you think. Hope this helps, Thanks Solomon

[@thomashan4963]

Pirc is one of my favorite openings. But I usually struggle with what to do with my knight on f6. I’m still learning. So, thanks for the video.

[@dmr288]

I can’t wait to learn!

[@TheChessGiant]

Ayy excited for you to see it!

[@jaydub2971]

Since I always respond to a kingside opening from White with d6, I really appreciate the Pirc videos.

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it Jay Dub! Glad you've been liking them. Ya the Pirc is a very unique and fascinating approach to opening chess.

[@Ronin760]

Wow! Lots to chew on here. I recently came back playing the Pirc and there is a lot of good lines here to follow up on. Great video and as always great explanation and examples. This was gold. Thanks for doing this Solomon! You have a great channel!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks Frank! Super encouraged to hear you enjoyed it - I'm excited to keep making this series. As always, feel free to send in any chess related questions you may have or chess opening videos you'd want to see. Stay well my guy

[@Ronin760]

@@TheChessGiant I would love to see a video on the Byrne Variation against the Pirc. It seems like a very popular response to the Pirc online. Thanks again!

[@TheChessGiant]

@@Ronin760 You got it Frank!

[@chilakashalemraju3668]

Excellent! Very instructive & useful. Thank you

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Chilaka! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for tuning in!

[@jamesmoore7835]

Great stuff !!! Thanks so much!

[@abdelhamidmeriouma8248]

This Chanel great please don't stop... I have questions about Pawns chain... And by that attack I mean closing a center.... Can you customize video explains that thank you

[@TheChessGiant]

A video on pawn structure is a great idea thanks for sharing!

[@stoutlager6325]

Well done going straight to the most challenging replies from white with the Austrian attack and 150. I play the Austrian against the Pirc myself and never had much of a struggle with those games. As it turns out I just knew a couple extra bits of theory in that line than the pirc opponents. Of course it's not so simple. Now learning the pirc from black's side to expand my repertoire.

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you! And that's a GREAT approach. Many people just study "how to beat the pirc" which often shows the Pirc Defense player making mistakes and how to take advantage of them. This is a good idea, but it's also helpful (after this) to look up Pirc Defense videos... see what Pirc players want and what they are looking to take advantage of. This will help you with both sides and understand the game better as a whole. Impressive, good work!

[@JockeDieden]

Great! The most soothing I've watched on pircc :)

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you brotha! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lllexoduslll]

Is there anything wrong with taking the bishop at e3? 11:08 If the queen takes the h8 rook then you could just take the pawn on c2 followed by capturing the rook on a1.

[@TheChessGiant]

GREAT point. I hadn't even noticed this. Good stuff.

[@PPdabest]

This is amazing! Thanks for this my friend!

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it brotha! More on the way - always feel free to let me know if there's any chess openings you'd want to see covered on the channel!

[@GarciaPics]

Thank you, Chess Giant, for this and all your other videos!

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it Carlos! Thank you for tuning in!

[@pepperwestwood]

Another gem for one of the few openings I play. Noice!

[@TheChessGiant]

Happy you enjoyed it my guy!

[@stephenloft835]

Hi Solomon! Regarding the 150 attack, after 5. . .b5, instead of 6. f3 white can try 6. Nf3 then 7. Bd3 and 0-0-0 or 6. Bd3 then 7. Nf3 and 0-0. Can Make it more difficult for black to achieve his objectives. Played the Modern, KID and Pirc in the 80’s. White eschewing f3 for the above moves gave me more trouble against white who was looking for rapid development first. 6. f4 gets equality but but wasn’t to my liking. Pirc is a great defense and well worth the time to understand it. Wasn’t called the 150 attack in the 80’s. That threw me!

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Stephen, ya that's a very goo point! That natural development for white without all those pawn pushes can definitely make blacks came a little bit harder to navigate no doubt. This would be a good potential video, just covering what to do if white goes with that Nc3/Nf3/Be3/0-0 setup. And ya the Pirc is hard to master, but well worth the time.

[@stephenloft835]

@@TheChessGiant Hi Solomon, you should definitely do that video but also add the classical variation as that is very easy to play for white while Blake has to play with precision to get the advantage. Main reason I switched to Sicilian and Caro Kann was the tightrope act the Pirc player must endure while white has a much easier time. Modern and KID also has that issue to some extent. After saying that, if white isn’t prepared for the Pirc they can get into real trouble to be sure so your vid’s on this defense are important. On another note, when you start tournaments analyze your games in victory and defeat as that would be very interesting and informative to your audience. I follow a number of chess channels and complete games analysis is the most beneficial for me. Good luck on your quest for Master level!

[@improvechess]

Really great video bro, your channel is also underated like most other informative gems.

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you brotha! Just checked out your channel and subscribed, looks like you're making a ton of cool chess opening stuff!

[@improvechess]

Yes bro🙂, I am glad you checked out my channel. Let's keep grinding. Hard work and dedication will pay off one or the other day 👍😊✌

[@TheChessGiant]

@@improvechess 100%! Do you have an instagram?

[@improvechess]

@@TheChessGiant yes

[@OregonMikeH]

I requested you take the Pirc further earier and man OH man did you ever deliver!! this is a complete masterpiece of Instruction so Greatly Appreciated, Pro Work Seriously Finest Chess Ch. on the Internet1 FACT. Thank you so much, ... Mike

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Mike! Thanks for the kind words. Really appreciate it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and sorry it took so long to put out! Hope you are well in Oregon, greetings from southern California.

[@michaelbascon940]

Ask and you shall receive! awesome video, very clear and concise explanations , and you kept it interesting the whole time! I loved blacks response to the Austrian, I will be watching this again and writing down some of those variations! I am so excited about this video I will be sharing it! if you do a follow up video with the pirc , I have a difficult time responding when white plays g3 fianchettos his bishop just like black does in the pirc.

[@kirkd1631]

I am going to try this out. I have a loot of experience with the French so I should feel at hime in these positions.

[@andrewlemon4324]

As an E4 player I used to not respect the pirc, this is a great video, very helpful and now I think I have some work to do

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Andrew! Ya the Pirc when played right, is much stronger than most people think. What is your go-to response against it right now?

[@lordofutub]

Please do more variations of the modern defence

[@himanshuparmar3799]

I was most of my games against pirc thank you for this vid😄

[@himanshuparmar3799]

Losing**

[@TheChessGiant]

Haha no problem Himanshu! I should make a video on what to do AGAINST IT. I made up a system for white that is solid and has gotten me good results in tournament games.

[@timwoods3173]

Thank you

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it Tim! Nice choice with the Pirc Defense!

[@minhanh9301]

If 8:36 white doesnt play Bd3 but continue put pressure on the king side by push pawn to f6? After we trade pawn and being upper pawn then the Bishop-Queen battery is open up again, is anyone know what is the good way to deal with this?

[@vix5399]

i think you just ignore it and youre good

[@beardoswat2365]

Hey Solomon, Hope you are doing well. Can you please look into this line called "Lion Defense: Lion's Jaw" which I found while analyzing my options against the Pirc Defense. I normally play the Bryne Variation against the Pirc but I was wondering what other options can I have against it. So I was analyzing on Lichess and stumbled upon this interesting line. I have no idea about how the "Lion Defense" starts but after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. f3, the line changes from "Pirc Defense" to "Lion Defense: Lion's Jaw". PS: I know I made this comment on another video. I just thought it'd be more appropriate to put it in here. 😅

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey brotha. Ya I will take a look at this! I just made a Pirc vs Bryne Variation video that should be releasing somewhat soon. I'll make the Lion's Jaw a priority! And ya totally cool with you entering it twice. If anything it helps the KZbin algorithm haha, so thanks!

[@kentgalleros8364]

thank you mr solomon

[@kentgalleros8364]

that opening always playing in my opening

[@TheChessGiant]

No problem Kent! We got another 10 Pirc Defense chess videos on the way!

[@sadasivanchaluvally8293]

great... I have been watching other videos on pirc also but this one seems to be the matter of fact approach and wasting no time.... Only that you speak too fast for me makes me sit up and concentrate a lot more....Thank you.....

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for the kind words and the constructive criticism too! Glad you enjoyed the video and nice choice with the Pirc, it's a great chess opening system.

[@MrChrisdube]

Thank you for this! Normally, I play gambits, however I get people playing white who open with a Knight move or a fiancheto. So, I end up playing the Pirc.

[@TheChessGiant]

Fair enough Chris! Ya it's one of those openings (like the King's Indian Attack) where you can get the setup almost no matter what the opponent does so never hurts to have that in your back pocket.

[@RyanJFaulk]

This is a really helpful video! Do you happen to have a PGN available of the moves you suggest?

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks Ryan! I do not as of now... I should make one though.

[@RyanJFaulk]

@@TheChessGiant I'll comment here if I make one. Headed into jury duty and I may just have time to compile it... Haha...

[@TheChessGiant]

Hope it’s quick bro 🙏🏽

[@theimperfectguitarist974]

I'm waiting for this! I never liked 1...E5 vs 1.e4, I've tried the scandi, it's too open of a game so I blunder many tactics. Tried french and caro too, but people don't play mainlines, they play nf3 and take on D5, and that is also too boring to play, and I'm not playing sicilian coz I don't know much theory (I'm waiting for your E6 Sicilian video too!). And the other defenses also haven't been good for me. Excited for this pirc release!!!

[@TheChessGiant]

I'm excited for you to see it man! It's really strong, definitely takes some effort to learn but once you do, you're gonna be hard to beat.

[@theimperfectguitarist974]

@@TheChessGiant yeah

[@nikhilr4525]

Wait there's an e6 Sicilian video coming? I play the Taimanov and Kan sometimes as black and I would love to learn more about those systems

[@theimperfectguitarist974]

@@nikhilr4525 I have requested him but let's see if he can make them

[@pan8319]

Hello bro, why not push knight to f3 at 11:00 forking the queen with the king. Or am i missing something? im new

[@marcmccreary6617]

it is very difficult to balance presenting key ideas/themes while also being thorough enough without feeling like you're getting too in-the-weeds. these videos seem to get it right. you are able to reel the train of thought back to the decision points so that the viewer doesn't lose focus, something i see other youtubers have a hard time with

[@TheChessGiant]

Thank you for the kind words brotha. I try my best to make complicated concepts seem simple, and also help people grasp what they need to in order to get started. This comment means a lot, thanks again.

[@henrysuryanaga5924]

Another very useful superb video for me, enriching my current repertoire 1... d6 (using Lakdawala's book). Many useful ideas. Thank you.

[@TheChessGiant]

What's up Henry! Glad you enjoyed it - it's a great system that (similar to the Sicilian Najdorf) one can always keep improving at because it's so complex and rich - keep it up!

[@jarrodthekidder1]

@The Chess Giant - any Bryne Variations coming our way?? 😉

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Jarrod! Oof I'm not gonna lie I totally spaced on this. Sorry about that! Thanks for putting this back on my radar!

[@jarrodthekidder1]

@@TheChessGiant Happy to help lol. I know you've been busy with content and challenging people haha. Its been great! I keep checking everyday to see it lol.

[@TheChessGiant]

@@jarrodthekidder1 For sure! And thanks man. I'll get back on that! I'll message you once I've made the video and plan to post it.

[@jarrodthekidder1]

@@TheChessGiant Terrific! Looking forward to it!

[@shloksangle603]

pls make a video on stonewall attack there are not many videos.

[@TheChessGiant]

I will make a point of it! Ya it's a strong opening for white that honestly deserves more attention than it is getting.

[@kajuanweaver1607]

This is definitely going to lead to a fight!

[@TheChessGiant]

You know it!

[@andrewucla]

Can you cover the Rat Harmonist - 1. e4 d6 2. f4?

[@TheChessGiant]

Good idea! Didn't even know this was an opening but now I do. (Crazy how many chess openings are out there. Been studying them for years and still learning new ones that I didn't know existed haha.)

[@theimperfectguitarist974]

I just love the 150 attack! It's just so aggressive that if I face pirc it's just an auto win for me with it! But thanks for showing me how to counter it. Can't wait to beat people with this!!!

[@TheChessGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it my guy, have fun and let me know how it goes!

[@teacherlee3527]

Thanks Solomon, fantastic instructional vid! I have a couple of questions about the Austrian attack: first, what do you recommend if on move 5, white plays Bishop B5 and puts us in check before we've castled? Second, if we do manage to castle on move 5, aren't we in danger of being subjected to a henious kingside attack? It'd be great if you could do an extra vid on the Austrian, covering some of these lines as it's so sharp (and a little bit scary...)

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Lee! Thanks for the kind words, glad you got something out of it! I was going to point you to the Austrian Attack video but it looks like you've already seen it! In terms of Bb5 with check, we can play pawn to c6 and this is only going to help us no matter what the bishop does next yet. If Bc4 or Ba4, we simply advance with b5 having another tempo as we continue to make space and attacking chances on the queenside of the board. In terms of castling kingside and facing a dangerous attack, the 150 attack poses more problems. The pawn on f4 slows down the white bishop on c1 from having any ideas and white breaking through in the center with a move like e5 is usually what white will go for. Of course, in the other Austrian Attack video, we are prepared for this as long as we memorize those very sharp and scary looking lines. Hope this helps brotha! I'm going to get working on more Pirc content and have made this video, and one on the 150 Attack and Austrian Attack, any other variation videos you think would be good?

[@WanZo1984]

Coach, do you have video pirc defense 1. d4 d6?

[@TheChessGiant]

Just added this to the list! Thanks for sending it in.

[@WanZo1984]

@@TheChessGiant THANK YOU cOACH

[@TheChessGiant]

@@WanZo1984 You got it!

[@kentgalleros8364]

i think be3 variation in white is a sharp variation

[@TheChessGiant]

Yessir! We actually are posting a video just on Be3 (with the 150 Attack) in a couple days!

[@darylwong4403]

Hey bro, I haven't watched the full video yet but is this your complete repertoire for the pirc defense?

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Daryl! This most of my repertoire against the three most popular responses from white, that being the 150 Attack, Austrian Attack, and Classical Variation. We also cover the general strategy, tricks, traps, and ideas of the Pirc Defense. I am planning on posting more videos though that cover each of the three most popular responses in even more depth and then also covering things like the Chinese Variation, Bayonet Attack, Kholmov System, etc.

[@darylwong4403]

@@TheChessGiant ah right, great stuff bro! Will watch them soon :)

[@olegredko7813]

Awesome video. Thanks from Ukraine.

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks Oleg! The Ukraine! That's super cool. One of my bestfriends is about to marry a girl from there, and Ukraine has some of the best boxers in the world! If you are currently in the Ukraine, I pray that things will settle down and be peaceful.

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Oleg, I'm not sure if you are currently in the Ukraine, but if you are - my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your country!

[@eco4145]

10 150 defense great content!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks! And more Pirc Defense content on the way!

[@andrewucla]

I just lost to Sam Shankland in a simul. I was playing the Pirc with the black pieces, and he played the 150 attack. I halted kingside plans (didn't fianchetto bishop or castle) and instead advanced c6 and b5, but he tore me a new one nonetheless! lol Per the computer, we were dead even around move 10, though, so this defense has something going for it. I just made critical mistakes because I'm like 1000 points lower rated!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for sharing this Andrew!! Super cool to hear at move 10 you were neck and neck with him, especially in such a sharp opening! That sounds like a cool experience. Keep it up!

[@TheChessGiant]

Trying to take your game to the next level? Check out PRIVATE LESSONS with Solomon! www.thechessgiant.com/lessons

[@cryingrat8574]

Could you do a video on the harmonist variation of the pirc? (1.e4, d6, 2.f4)

[@TheChessGiant]

Yessir! I'll try to get back on the Pirc Defense content!

[@TeeGar]

Just a friendly fyi, its not "perk" but "peertz". Great vudeo as always though.

[@TheChessGiant]

Oh dang that is interesting! Good to know!

[@PaskalGillboe]

Pirc (Pearse)

[@TheChessGiant]

I am now pronouncing it in this fashion!

[@PaskalGillboe]

Cool…keep posting: love your channel.

[@TheChessGiant]

🤝🙏🏼

[@isaacruddell9942]

PINE OIL

[@TheChessGiant]

Get all of that!

[@theimperfectguitarist974]

@@TheChessGiant I'm seeing soo many ruddels commenting on your channel 😅😂

[@TheChessGiant]

@@theimperfectguitarist974 Hahaha ya the family coming through clutch and trying to help me with the KZbin algorithm haha

[@palnagok1720]

...it's pronounced_ peertz.

[@TheChessGiant]

I am now pronouncing it in this fashion!