This week's pair of games are by Thomas Maes, a forty-year-old Belgian rated round about 2200. Both feature successful provocation in the Pirc Defence.
In the first, Thomas got a better ending after complications but somewhat disappointingly decided to offer a draw after a hard week's work. In the second, he took over the initiative to unleash a devastating attack.
He sent a very few notes but the rest, which I've mostly remembered to mark as 'JS', are mine.
Editor's note: GM Mihail Marin (pictured with this week's Agony/Ecstasy subject) has authored a video series on the Pirc and writes of the opening:
When playing the Pirc, one must know what to do against White's attacking systems. White's space advantage offers him a lot of active possibilities, but when White proceeds aggressively he creates weaknesses in his own camp that Black can use for counterplay. There are a number of forced lines but they are mostly based on the elementary principles of dynamics and development. With these principles, one should find one's way when confronted with a novelty or ... forgot one's analysis! The resulting positions are usually dynamic or double-edged and offer fairly balanced chances. The better tactician may win, but do not be disappointed if the game ends in a spectacular and logical draw!
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