Standard Defense (3.Nc3 d6)

The idea

After 3.Nc3 d6, Black has a Pirc-like setup without the knight on f6. White chooses between quiet development with 4.Nf3, the Two Knights Variation, and the more aggressive 4.f4, the Pseudo-Austrian Attack. 365chess and Lichess name both.

Plans for White

Choose the plan. Nf3 with Be2 and castling keeps things solid, while f4 aims for e5 and a kingside attack. Be3 and Qd2 is another option. In every case, White uses the space the center gives.

Plans for Black

Choose between ...Nf6, which transposes to the Pirc, and setups without it: ...c6 with ...b5, or ...a6 with ...b5. Black's flexibility is the point of delaying the knight, so wait for White to commit first.

Watch out for

For Black, being too slow. Without ...Nf6, White can play f4 and e5 or Be3, Qd2 and Bh6 more easily, so Black must have counterplay ready.

For White, the d4 pawn. The bishop on g7 already aims at it, and ...c5 or ...e5 can make it a target if White isn't careful.