Position 1 of 7
1.e4
e4 begins the Pirc Austrian Attack plan: gain space with e4, d4, and f4 before opening attacking lines.
B09Play as White2 lines to train
Learn the Pirc Austrian Attack
A forceful anti-Pirc setup that uses f4 to support a broad center and kingside attack. White aims to gain space with e4, d4, and f4 before opening attacking lines.
Main line
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3
1.e41…d62.d42…Nf63.Nc33…g64.f44…Bg75.Nf3
The idea
Why this opening works
The Pirc Austrian Attack gives White a clear route to gain space with e4, d4, and f4 before opening attacking lines. Its recurring positions revolve around the f4 lever, central overextension, and counterplay timing, so the repertoire rewards understanding the structure as much as remembering the move order.
What to remember
- Know the first 8 half-moves of the main line.
- Understand the purpose of your key moves before adding more theory.
- Practice the branches until you can respond without move-order guessing.
Move by move
The moves worth understanding
Theory sticks when every move has a job. Start with these ideas from the trainer.
Scroll down through 7 positions
- e2 → e4
- d2 → d4
Position 2 of 7
2.d4
d4 reinforces the center and prepares the next piece-development or pawn-break decision.
- b1 → c3
Position 3 of 7
3.Nc3
Nc3 develops or reroutes the knight toward the central squares that drive this opening.
- f2 → f4
Position 4 of 7
4.f4
f4 gains kingside space and prepares the pawn lever that gives this setup its attacking potential.
- g1 → f3
Position 5 of 7
5.Nf3
Nf3 develops or reroutes the knight toward the central squares that drive this opening.
- d4 → e5
Position 6 of 7
4.dxe5
dxe5 clarifies the tension while improving piece activity or pawn structure for the next phase.
- d1 → d8
Position 7 of 7
5.Qxd8+
Qxd8+ clarifies the tension while improving piece activity or pawn structure for the next phase.
Trainer variations
Lines you’ll meet
These are representative branches from the drill, not a demand to memorize everything at once.
Line 11. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3
Line 21. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. dxe5 dxe5 5. Qxd8+
Quick answers
Pirc Austrian Attack questions
What is the Pirc Austrian Attack?
A forceful anti-Pirc setup that uses f4 to support a broad center and kingside attack. White aims to gain space with e4, d4, and f4 before opening attacking lines. The Pirc Austrian Attack gives White a clear route to gain space with e4, d4, and f4 before opening attacking lines. Its recurring positions revolve around the f4 lever, central overextension, and counterplay timing, so the repertoire rewards understanding the structure as much as remembering the move order.
What is the main line of the Pirc Austrian Attack?
This trainer starts with 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3. The exact move order can change by variation, so learn the purpose of each move as well as the sequence.
Is the Pirc Austrian Attack good to learn as White?
It can be a useful part of a White repertoire if its positions match how you like to play. Learn the main plan first, then use the drill to test the recurring replies.
Study next
C50Italian GameClassic development with Bc4 targeting f7. Solid and principled.1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Nbxd2 d5 9. exd5C60Ruy LopezOne of the oldest and most respected openings, pressuring the knight defending e5.1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. d3B20Sicilian Defense (Open)The most popular response to 1.e4. Asymmetric and combative.1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be7 8. O-O
Turn the guide into recall
Now play the Pirc Austrian Attack from memory.
The drill gives you an opponent reply, checks your response, and repeats the branches that need more work.