ECO code: B07
Opening Name: Pirc Defense: 4.Bg5 Bg7
Moves: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5 Bg7
Description: This line of the Pirc Defense features White developing the bishop to g5, putting immediate pressure on Black's knight on f6 and aiming to challenge Black’s kingside setup. Black responds with 4...Bg7, continuing their fianchetto plan to control the long diagonal and prepare for kingside castling.
Characteristic: The move 4.Bg5 is a thematic pinning move that tries to limit Black’s knight activity and potentially provoke weaknesses or structural concessions. Black’s 4...Bg7 is a standard developing move in the Pirc, reinforcing control over the center and preparing for a flexible, hypermodern setup.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the move 4.Bg5 is more attacking, aiming to exert early pressure on Black’s kingside and disrupt Black’s natural development. Black’s setup is generally defensive and hypermodern, focusing on controlling the center from a distance and counterattacking later.
Center Control: White immediately stakes a claim in the center with pawns on e4 and d4, while Black delays direct central occupation, instead controlling key central squares with pieces and the fianchettoed bishop. This opening embodies a hypermodern approach where Black allows White to occupy the center early but aims to undermine it later.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Pirc: 4.Bg5 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #7 white