Pirc Defense: Classical Variation, Schlechter Variation

A solid and flexible chess opening for Black, focusing on a strong pawn structure and counterattacking chances.

The opening offers Black a solid and flexible pawn structure, with the potential for counterplay against the center. It is characterized by Black allowing White to establish a strong pawn center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black fianchettoes their dark-squared bishop on g7 and develops their knights to f6 and d7.

The specific variation involves the move h3 by White, which aims to prevent Black's typical plan of expanding on the kingside with moves like ...Bg4 and ...e5. This move also prepares for a potential kingside pawn storm by White, with moves like g4 and h4.

Black's main idea in this opening is to remain solid and flexible, waiting for the right moment to strike back at White's center. This can be achieved by moves like ...c5, ...e5, or even ...b5 in some cases, depending on how White proceeds.

The opening is named after the Austrian chess player Carl Schlechter, who was one of the leading players in the early 20th century. It is considered a relatively safe and solid choice for Black, but also offers chances for counterattacking play if White overextends or weakens their pawn structure.

Overall, this opening is a good choice for players who prefer a solid and flexible opening with counterattacking potential, rather than directly challenging White's center from the outset.