ECO code: B09
Opening Name: Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Kurajica Variation
Moves: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be3
Description: The Kurajica Variation in the Austrian Attack of the Pirc Defense is a highly dynamic setup for White. By playing 6. Be3, White supports the strong central pawn duo on d4 and f4, prepares to develop the queen’s bishop, and often aims for a kingside offensive. This move also contributes to controlling key central squares and prepares for potential pawn storms or piece maneuvers against Black’s fianchettoed bishop.
Characteristic of the Move: The sixth move, Be3, is characteristic for solidifying White’s strong center and preparing to support an aggressive kingside attack, typical in the Austrian Attack lines. It also keeps flexible options open for castling queenside or pushing g4 in some lines.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this is an attacking setup, focusing on rapid development and central control with intentions to launch a kingside attack. Black, on the other hand, adopts a more defensive and counterattacking stance, aiming to undermine White’s center and exploit the hypermodern nature of the Pirc Defense.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly contests the center. White occupies the center with pawns on e4 and d4 and supports them with pieces, while Black tries to challenge this center indirectly with moves like ...c5 or ...e5 later on.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Kurajica Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #33 black