Kholmov System

The Kholmov System arises when White answers the Pirc fianchetto with 4. Bc4. The bishop takes up an active diagonal toward f7 instead of the more reserved e2 or the space-gaining f2-f4 of the Austrian Attack. The usual follow-up, given as the defining line in reference works, is 4...Bg7 5. Qe2, where the queen backs up the e4 pawn and keeps the option of a central advance. The drawback of the bishop's post is that it can become a target for Black's queenside pawns or minor pieces, and it leaves e4 guarded only by the knight for the moment.

Black overwhelmingly replies 4...Bg7, which engines also favor. Alternatives include 4...c6, which prepares queenside expansion or ...d5 to gain time against the bishop, and the sharper 4...Nxe4, which tests the e4 pawn immediately and has scored well for Black in online play, though it is rarely chosen. Engine moves such as ...a6 and ...Nc6 also point to harassing the bishop. The line is a relatively uncommon Pirc sideline, and the engine considers the position close to balanced. Online results are nearly even.