The Czech Defense is a flexible and multipurpose system within the Pirc family. The move 3...c6 serves several key functions: it supports control over critical squares b5 and d5, helping to prevent White’s knight or bishop from infiltrating there. Additionally, it opens up possibilities for Black’s queen to develop actively with ...Qa5 or ...Qb6.

Black often follows with ...Qc7, ...Nbd7, and ...Be7, aiming for a solid but dynamic structure where ...e5 or ...d5 can be played at the right moment. While the setup may look somewhat restrained, it provides Black with flexible counterplay options, including queenside expansion or timely central breaks.

1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 c6

• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.