Pirc Defense: Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense (B08)

The Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense is a variation of the Pirc Defense, catalogued as ECO B08. The line runs 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

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: Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense — position after c6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4d6
2d4Nf6
3Nc3g6
4Nf3Bg7
5Be2O-O
6O-Oc6

ECO: B08

Stockfish: +0.53 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Pirc Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense?

The Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense goes 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6. It is a variation of the Pirc Defense and is catalogued as ECO B08.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense?

The Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense is ECO B08. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Pirc Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Be2 O-O 6. O-O c6 at +0.53 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 Classical Variation, Quiet System, Czech Defense lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.