Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d6

= Pirc Defense =

1...d6
The Pirc Defense is a modern opening and a response to white’s 1.e4. Black gives up the center and refuses to fill it with pawns but instead builds up slowly with defensive moves such as d6 (played now) and g6 (played in the near future) to fianchetto the DSB. White also often plays f4 and eventually e5 to add more control to the center. The Pirc Defense is an uncommon opening nowadays, but is very solid.

If White dislikes this opening, White can play /2. Nf3/ in order to transpose into the Sicilian Defense (2...c5) or into the Philidor Defense (2...e5).

If White agrees to play this defense, White has no reason not to build its pawn center with /2. d4/.

Theory table
1. e4 d6