The Pirc chess opening is more of a counterattack than a defence: Black allows his opponent to occupy the centre and provokes a confrontation, trusting in the power of the g7-bishop and the dynamic potential in his position. It is the perfect weapon for players who seek a complex strategic fight with the black pieces.

Mihail Marin has been playing the Pirc for more than twenty years, with excellent results. In The Pirc Defence he not only presents his best analysis against all of Whites major options, but also shares the strategic insights he has gained through his extensive experience in this opening.