Pseudo-Austrian Attack

The Pseudo-Austrian Attack arises when White meets the Modern Defense's standard 3. Nc3 d6 with 4. f4. This sets up a three-pawn center on d4, e4 and f4, aimed at a later e4-e5 push and kingside play. The name reflects the setup's link to the Austrian Attack of the Pirc. The difference is that Black's knight has not yet reached f6, so Black may choose another setup. The most frequent reply, 4...Nf6, transposes directly into the Austrian Attack. Players who want to stay in Modern territory have other options. 4...c6 5. Nf3 Bg4 prepares queenside expansion and pins the f3-knight. 4...Nc6 puts pressure on d4. 4...Nd7 keeps the f6-square free for later. Engines also like 4...a6, which prepares ...b5 in the style of Tiger's Modern, and 4...e6.

Black's main task is to challenge the pawn mass before it becomes a spearhead for attack, typically with ...c5 or ...e5. The game tends to be sharp and double-edged. Engines give White a slight edge, and in online play White scores somewhat better than Black, with draws uncommon.