This book is a useful addition to opening theory in many respects, but those who expect a pyrotechnical opening display may be disappointed. In fact, this book develops a repertoire that is more strategic than tactical; some of the lines can actually lead to early queenless middlegames. While there are still many chances for both sides, the book’s introduction suggests the lines are more positional than tactical. In short, the book’s title may promise more than the repertoire can actually deliver.

It would be wrong to dismiss the book on this basis. Many of the lines that form the repertoire have had very little systematic theoretical coverage. This book fills an important void in that respect. In particular, lines after 1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 and 1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Bg4 receive extensive coverage, and the authors are quite willing to sort out the lines and render their verdicts. As one who has played both of these variations for black, I have often found that white players are still not as prepared for these systems as many others. This creates many practical chances for the player who becomes familiar with the resulting positions.

Of the book’s 272 pages, 65 pages are spent on the lines with 1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5, and 73 are spent on the lines with 1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Bg4. These are well done and, combined with the introduction, index of variations, and another 50 pages on early move alternatives, would make a very nice book indeed. The chapters include useful introductory statistics, discussions of plans, and conclusions that zero the player in on key lines. There is also a fair bit of discussion. In general, one might prefer a little more original analysis, but this is a very useful attempt to catalogue the theory of a fairly new method for black.

The authors are experienced international players, with Yrjola being a two-time champion of Finland. Unlike some texts by foreign authors, the language here does not come across as stilted or labored. The authors use the preferred method of discussing variations using a tree method of analysis rather than via complete games. The book has the typically strong Gambit Publications production values. The paper is substantial, the print crisp, the diagrams clear, and typos appear to be infrequent. The book has a functional index of variations. One notable absence is a bibliography, although the authors would probably point out that there is very little else in print on the subject (I would note that Andy Soltis did a Chess Digest monograph in 1994 on this line. That book concentrated on the Czech Defense with 1.d4 d6 2.e4 Nf6 3.Nc3 c6 rather than the Pirc).

The fly in the ointment, from my perspective, is the 74 pages devoted to a Pirc repertoire. First, the repertoire is the same tired choices that authors trot out against the Classical and Austrian to be able to demonstrate quick, easy theoretical equality. In the case of the Classical, this can lead to one of the most boring middlegame positions you could ever hope to contest; in the case of the Austrian, it can lead, with a compliant opponent, to a forced perpetual check before the clocks have even warmed up. I am sick and tired of authors offering up this half-baked, tiresome gruel as their suggested method of play.

In the context of the rest of the repertoire that is created, the Pirc doesn’t strike me as a particularly good choice regardless. One of the fun aspects of the rest of the repertoire is the early state of theory; that is certainly not the case in the Pirc. Further, very little of the rest of the repertoire involves a kingside fianchetto for black. I think black players would rather investigate some of the other alternatives available and would have preferred more of the pages being spent on these options.

In conclusion, this book will fill a useful niche for players who already play these systems or want a slightly different alternative, particularly against 1.d4 or 1.c4. The lines are quite playable, and the theory is developed in a systematic way for the first time. At the same time, the book’s title is slightly misleading and the sections developing a Pirc repertoire add little (and perhaps detract) from the book’s overall value.

To see John Donaldson’s review of this same book, click HERE.

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