Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation (B09)

The Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation is a variation of the Pirc Defense, catalogued as ECO B09. The line runs 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 c5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.

On the Pirc Defense generally: A hypermodern defense where Black lets White build a center, then counterattacks.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation — position after c5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 c5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4d6
2d4Nf6
3Nc3g6
4f4Bg7
5Nf3c5

ECO: B09

Stockfish: +0.51 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation?

The Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation goes 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 c5. It is a variation of the Pirc Defense and is catalogued as ECO B09.

What is the ECO code for the Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation?

The Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation is ECO B09. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Pirc Defense.

Is the Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 c5 at +0.51 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Austrian Attack, Dragon Formation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.