Theoria
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Pirc Defense

Austrian Attack, Unzicker Attack, Bronstein Variation

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  1. 1.e4d6
  2. 2.d4Nf6
  3. 3.Nc3g6
  4. 4.f4Bg7
  5. 5.Nf3O-O
  6. 6.e5Nfd7
  7. 7.h4
323 games57%40%

Pirc Defense line in which White meets 6...Nfd7 with 7. h4, launching the h-pawn at Black's castled king; sharp, attacking play results.

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About the Bronstein Variation

The Bronstein Variation arises after 6...Nfd7, when White answers the knight retreat with 7. h4. Rather than quietly consolidating the d4-e5-f4 chain, White prepares a direct pawn storm with h4-h5 against the castled king. Black most often replies with the central counter 7...c5, striking at d4. The alternative 7...h5 stops the h-pawn in its tracks, while 7...dxe5 is rare. Engines consider the position roughly balanced, and White scores well in practice.

Popular continuations