Thanks for this. I was scared of the PIRC for a while because people say it’s really theoretical but have recently started using it again and am having a lot of fun. I’ve also found a great book: ‘Tactics in the King’s Indian’ by Gennady Nesis. Here are some quotes from that book: ‘Instead of death in the centre - death to the centre!' The idea is for Black to combat White's pawn centre with piece pressure, supported by timely counter-thrusts from pawns. Those who champion the King's Indian Defence (although they do not consider it a defence, but an attack) continue to debate whether they should immediately strike against White's centre with pawns, or whether it is more promising to attack it from a distance with pieces. Players of White in this opening have to resolve another eternal' problem: should they close the centre immediately, or is it more beneficial to maintain the tension as long as possible? […] As will also become clear from the annotations to the games we have selected, play in the King's Indian is often sharp and forced, and it demands exceptionally accurate and dynamic handling from both sides. Furthermore, the need to combine a forceful attack with rational defensive measures adds to the complexity of play. All of this increases the importance of the various tactical tricks which may be employed during the opening and, especially, during the transition to the middlegame. […] we came to the conclusion that tactical ideas, rather than variations pure and simple, are the most important factor when it comes to understanding the King's Indian Defence. In fact, tactics are the life-blood of the King's Indian player, and we have therefore analysed 35 games in which characteristic tactical concepts are particularly well illustrated.’
Thanks for the note and sharing these quotes! I definitely consider the Pirc an attack more than a defense, and there are common tactical ideas without memorizing lines. Makes it fun instead of being destroyed by an 18 move deep line in the Spanish :)
Great suggestion! I'm working on a new opening repertoire right now so will see where that fits in the new system - 1st video on Catalan coming out this week, then more in depth on Catalan next week, then tackling the Benoni next.
