ECO B00 · Pirc Defense

Pirc Defense

1. e4 d6

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White to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

2. d4+0.57

White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Pirc Defense (B00), reached after 1. e4 d6, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. d4 for White. White is slightly better (+0.57).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.572. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Nxd4 Be7 6. Bf4 O-O
  2. +0.412. Nf3 c5 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e5
  3. +0.362. Ne2 Nf6 3. Nbc3 e5 4. d4 Be7 5. Ng3 h5 6. h4 Nc6

Other move orders

  • 1. e4 d6 2. d4
  • 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6
  • 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6

All Pirc Defense variations (22)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Pirc Defense?
After 1. e4 d6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. d4 for White, continuing Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Nxd4 Be7 6. Bf4 O-O. White is slightly better (+0.57). The next best moves are 2. Nf3 (+0.41) and 2. Ne2 (+0.36).
Is the Pirc Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.57: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Pirc Defense?
B00. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; B is the volume for semi-open games (other than the French).

Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).