Pirc Defense

The Pirc Defense looks a lot like the Philidor defense, but it is very different.  The point of the Pirc Defense is to open up both bishops and attack the center with knights, not pawns.  You fianchetto kingside which is normally followed by a castle.  The light bishop is opened up.  This defense strategy is not bad.  In fact, it is tied with the Sicilian Defense for number one.  The main line reads 1. e4, d6.  That is the whole line.  There are many variations to this, but this is where it begins.

The following game between GM Wenzhe of China and GM Donner of Germany is also called the Chinese Immortal Game.

LIU WENZHE vs. JAN HEIN DONNER
Buenos Aires 1978
Pirc Defense, Chinese Variation

1. e4, d6
2. d4, Nf6
3. Nc3, g6
4. Be2, Bg7
5. g4, h6
6. h3, c5
7. d5, 0-0
8. h4, e6
9. g5, hxg5
10. hxg5, Ne8
11. Qd3, exd5
12. Nxd5, Nc6
13. Qg3, Be6
14. Qh4!! ....

14. .... f5
15. Qh7+, Kf7
16. Qxg6, Kxg6

If Black's King retreats to g7 then 17. Qh7+ Kf7, 18. g6+ mate.

17. Bh5+, Kg7
18. Bf7+, Bh6
19. g6+!, Resigns
(1:0)

Black cannot stop mate. 19….Kg7 is answered by 20. Bxh6+ Kh8, 21. Bxf8 mate.  Splendid ending of a brilliant game!