Pirc, Vasja (19.12.1907 – 02.06.1980)

Yugoslavian (Slovenian) Chess Grandmaster (1953) is born in Idrija, Duchy of Carniola, Austria-Hungary, and he died in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia.

Pirc was champion of Yugoslavia five times (1935, 1936, 1937, 1948, 1953).

Best results: Yugoslavia Champion (1935, 1936, 1937, 1951, 1953); Novi Sad 1936, 1st; Lodz 1938, 1st; Bad Haezburg 1938, 1st; Hoogovens Tournament at Beverwijk in 1954, tied 1st; Drew a match in 1949 with Max Euwe ( 5:5 ).

He represented the Yugoslav National Team at the Chess Olympiads (1931, 1935, 1937, 1950).

His name is most familiar to contemporary players as a strong exponent of the hypermodern defense now generally known as the Pirc Defense.

Peak rating: 2540