Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Kurajica Variation

A dynamic and aggressive chess opening, this variation is characterized by a pawn storm against the opponent's kingside and harmonious development of pieces.

The Pirc Defense is a chess opening that arises after the initial moves, where Black allows White to establish a strong pawn center with the intention of undermining it later. The Austrian Attack is one of the most aggressive ways for White to counter the Pirc Defense, aiming to support the pawn center and prepare for a kingside pawn storm.

The specific variation in question, named after the Bosnian Grandmaster Bojan Kurajica, is a line within the Austrian Attack. In this variation, White develops their pieces harmoniously, while maintaining a strong pawn center and preparing for a potential kingside attack.

Black's main idea in the Pirc Defense is to counterattack the center with moves like ...c5, ...e5, or ...Nc6, and to use their fianchettoed dark-squared bishop to exert pressure on the long diagonal. In this variation, Black must be cautious about White's aggressive intentions and be prepared to defend their kingside.

Both sides have chances for a rich and complex middlegame, with White aiming for a direct attack on the kingside, and Black seeking counterplay in the center or on the queenside. This variation of the Austrian Attack is a fascinating battleground for players who enjoy sharp and double-edged positions.