Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d6/2. d4/2...Nf6/3. Nc3

=Pirc Defence=

3.Nc3
White replies to Black's developing move with a developing move of his own, 3.Nc3. The move is noncommittal, as the knight was probably going to go to c3 anyway. It protects the e-pawn and maintains White's large center.

Theory table

 * 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3