How to Beat the Pirc using the Fianchetto Attack

When I was little, I was taught that the Pirc was the ultimate counter to the King's Pawn Opening. I have won numerous games, but when I dove deeper into analysis, I discovered that there is a line White can play to have the upper hand, unlike having to play on the kingside where Black is protected by his bishop. So, how can White avoid the crisis?

The answer lies in this paradoxical opening. White starts fianchettoes his bishop. The plan is to attack with f4 if Black plays e5 to block the diagonal, and then maneuver the bishop to the h3-c8 diagonal to attack.

White's bishop is now more active. Black tries the Philidor, but it is way different. The bishop means f4 is viable.

Black trades a bishop for a knight and doubling pawns, a common trade in high level games. Both sides then secure their kings.

White trades the doubled pawns, claiming the initiative. Using White's spatial advantage, White has the upper hand due to Black's lack of space. White finally pushes the h-pawn to attack, and even though Black seems safe after h6 as the h-file is closed, but g7 is a critical square. Black's king is weak.

White finally wins the game using the h6 pawn. How amazing.

And here you have it! How to beat the Pirc in one read, yet very versatile using your moves.