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Alekhine vs Pirc

Alekhine vs Pirc

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Here's the observation. As Black, after 1.e4 Nf6, a large number of my RHP opponents (especially those playing under the cross of St George!) respond with 2. Nc3 and allow an easy transposition to the Pirc.

I wonder, is it because they think Alekhine's Defense is more dangerous to face, or because they think it's easier to play against the Pirc, or something else?

Multiple correct answers for this one, and no wrong answers, so answer away!

Paul

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You have spent £14.95 on the Alekhine book they have not.

It's also an invite into the Vienna. 1....e5 which they might know better.

They like playing against the Pirc.

They want to devlop a piece instead of pushing their e-pawn.

( is 2....d5 still playable? It use to be,)

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Originally posted by greenpawn34
You have spent £14.95 on the Alekhine book they have not.

It's also an invite into the Vienna. 1....e5 which they might know better.

They like playing against the Pirc.

They want to devlop a piece instead of pushing their e-pawn.

( is 2....d5 still playable? It use to be,)
GM Kengis was very successful with 2. ... d5, and I've been lucky with it, but I have recently transposed to the Pirc because I've been getting good games out of it.

GM Ivanchuk has successfully transposed to the Black side of the Vienna and has done well- but he does well with whatever strikes him!

GM Jonny Hector plays 2. Nc3 and does very well, and I wondered if he has a fan club. I've also considered that there is "chessbook flavor of the month" book advocating 2. Nc3 against Alekhine's- the best books seem to come out in the UK first and then drift over here to the States later.

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Really, this lets you transpose into almost anything you like. Pirc, Modern, Philidor, French, Sicillian (with no chance of 2.c3!), and the list goes on and on ....

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I've done this - I would play 2.e5 if I thought the alekhine player was susceptible to attack, but often these games get pretty pawnish and despite the extra space I just don't have a good sense of when to open it up. It's also a great way to say - "oho! I decline your invitation o spider" if I''m just not in the mood.

1 edit
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Originally posted by Paul Leggett
Here's the observation. As Black, after 1.e4 Nf6, a large number of my RHP opponents (especially those playing under the cross of St George!) respond with 2. Nc3 and allow an easy transposition to the Pirc.

I wonder, is it because they think Alekhine's Defense is more dangerous to face, or because they think it's easier to play against the Pirc, or ...[text shortened]... else?

Multiple correct answers for this one, and no wrong answers, so answer away!

Paul
don't even blink... just play d5...they are requesting an inferior game
edit: lol I just realized I am by for the lowest rated player on this thread....oh well

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Originally posted by c guy1
don't even blink... just play d5...they are requesting an inferior game
edit: lol I just realized I am by for the lowest rated player on this thread....oh well
Nice try cguy! You do it too 😉
Game 1763266

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Originally posted by c guy1
don't even blink... just play d5...they are requesting an inferior game
edit: lol I just realized I am by for the lowest rated player on this thread....oh well
lol, was going to mention the same thing but realized that as well.
from what Ive seen ...d5 is better scoring at all levels

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Originally posted by irontigran
lol, was going to mention the same thing but realized that as well.
from what Ive seen ...d5 is better scoring at all levels
You too 🙂

Game 4378922

Sorry, no-one is moving in my games right now. I may be a bit too searchy.

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Originally posted by greenpawn34
You have spent £14.95 on the Alekhine book they have not.

It's also an invite into the Vienna. 1....e5 which they might know better.

They like playing against the Pirc.

They want to devlop a piece instead of pushing their e-pawn.

( is 2....d5 still playable? It use to be,)
Here's one you mightof seen...

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Originally posted by Exuma
You too 🙂

Game 4378922

Sorry, no-one is moving in my games right now. I may be a bit too searchy.
haha, that game must be very old...much weaker there. but it still can show as a good example of what ...d5 is great 😀

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Originally posted by c guy1
don't even blink... just play d5...they are requesting an inferior game
edit: lol I just realized I am by for the lowest rated player on this thread....oh well
And you are fully entitled to speak up and not feel inferior. No way.

This is a good site and usually a good forum but the grades on here are
not to be confused with ELO, and even then you can/must contribute.

I thought 2....d5 was the stock reply for at least an equal position
and wondered why it was not played/suggested thought a line had
been found for White.

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I think 2. Nc3 is streetfighter's preferred option, on the basis that it annoys black because you're not doing what he wants you to do. As a commited Alekhine player I have to concede he's right. Mind you, my stats vs 2. Nc3 aren't too shoddy...

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Originally posted by greenpawn34
And you are fully entitled to speak up and not feel inferior. No way.

This is a good site and usually a good forum but the grades on here are
not to be confused with ELO, and even then you can/must contribute.

I thought 2....d5 was the stock reply for at least an equal position
and wondered why it was not played/suggested thought a line had
been found for White.
My general impression of ...d5 (which I have played and done well with) is that it leads to easy equality, and it tends to score well at the GM level because lower-rated white players play it to avoid the higher-rated black player's prep, but the higher rated player wins anyway.

I think it is very much a matter of style and familiarity of the various positions. And I must say that I think all these posts have been great, as there has been a pretty good diversity of opinions, which is exactly what I wanted to find out.

My fundamental view of chess is that the endgame tablebases have truth, but the rest is for us to debate, and therein lies the fun. Game on!

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Originally posted by greenpawn34
And you are fully entitled to speak up and not feel inferior. No way.

This is a good site and usually a good forum but the grades on here are
not to be confused with ELO, and even then you can/must contribute.

I thought 2....d5 was the stock reply for at least an equal position
and wondered why it was not played/suggested thought a line had
been found for White.
2. Nc3 d5 leads to an open position which by itself will make black feel uncomfortable. Also, there are some straight forward aggressive lines for white that require careful defense.