wild ride on the Austrian Pirc

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ratkins

Just finished a fun game in the always exciting Austrian line of the Pirc.  My opponent (also a pirc player) played down a line that has lost favor, but got a good position after I goofed with my queen.  At one point, my entire position was held together by a knight that itself was unprotected, but so well positioned it was nearly imposible to budge with whites two rooks. 

In the end, seems like a typical example of the dynamic play in the austrian pirc.  Also shows that being down an exchange is not fatal, if you have some well placed pawns and active play.  Attached is the computer analysis by chess.com.  I note a few places I disagree with the computer. 

Offered for your viewing pleasure.

colle-pirc

22.  Rb1??  i think is a blunder, i had forgotten i could still castle!  22. 0-0-0 and my Chessmaster puts me more than a point ahead. 

 

 

and 14. ...Qb6!?  is what Vigus reccomends for black in "the Pirc in Black and White"

 

I am not sure what I would play as black in this position OTB (this position is an absolute mess) but ...fxe2 calms things down, but i still think white would be slightly better.  and what you said about the pawns and the two pieces are right, my rooks were not able to dominate the scattered board the way your knight and bishop were able to do.

ratkins

Agreed.  I think we should consider playing this line over the Board.  Once you get used to the postion, we would have a better idea how to handle it and come up with a stronger plan for white.  You have to Love the Mess. Laughing  I mean really, who wants a boring isolated pawn game where you just blockage, attack, and destroy.  Frown

xMenace

Tell me more about 19 Ba3 please. I don't fully appreciate why not take it. 20 Rd1+ Kc7 ... or 20 Qb8+ Ke6 don't seem deadly at first glance.

ratkins

xMenace,

Taking the bishop looked horrible to me.  It took my queen out of play and I could see no way to stop various mate threats without sacing my queen.  See the attached.

colle-pirc

i wont lie it was a pretty awesome move on my part

orejano
ratkins wrote:

xMenace,

Taking the bishop looked horrible to me.  It took my queen out of play and I could see no way to stop various mate threats without sacing my queen.  See the attached.

 

 


 I think that 19...c2+ was a better continuation. Then you can then safely take the bishop and with the pawn move you are preventing Rd1+ (and you are just one square away from promotion)

colle-pirc

lol ...c2+ and i take the queen with my bishop!