Sicilian: Hungarian - Definition & ideas
Sicilian: Hungarian
Definition
The Sicilian: Hungarian (ECO code B27) is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the move order 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6. Black postpones ...d6 and immediately fianchettoes the king’s bishop. The line is called “Hungarian” because several top Hungarian grandmasters—most notably Lajos Portisch, Gyozo Forintos, and Pal Benko—made it a key part of their repertoires in the mid-20th century.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common sequences goes:
- e4 c5
- Nf3 g6
- d4 cxd4
- Nxd4 Bg7
- Nc3 Nc6
From here, play can transpose into a Fianchetto Dragon, Accelerated Dragon, or independent Hungarian-specific paths if Black keeps delaying …d6. White’s fifth move alternatives such as 5. Be3, 5. Bc4, or 5. Nb3 steer the struggle into distinct strategic channels.
Strategic Themes
- Flexible centre: By not committing the d-pawn to …d6 too early, Black keeps open the option of …d5 in one move, fighting for central equality.
- Fianchetto pressure: The bishop on g7 exerts long-range influence on the a1–h8 diagonal, often targeting the e4-pawn or an eventual c3-knight.
- Piece play over pawn structure: Compared with Najdorf or Classical Sicilians, pawn storms are rarer; instead, both sides jockey for squares—e.g. d4, d5, f5, and b5.
- Accelerated Dragon transpositions: After 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4 0-0, many positions are identical to the mainline Accelerated Dragon, minus an early …d6.
- Anti-Sicilian flavour: From White’s point of view, the line resembles a King’s Indian Attack reversed, with chances for a quick f2–f4 (Grand Prix-style) or a Maroczy Bind if c2-c4 is played.
Plans and Typical Ideas
- White:
- Maroczy Setup: 6. c4 restraining …d5 and aiming to squeeze.
- Classical Development: Be3, Bc4, Qd2, f2–f3, long castling, and a kingside pawn storm, mirroring Dragon patterns.
- Grand Prix Approach: f2–f4 early, avoiding an open central fight.
- Black:
- Break with …d5 if tactically feasible to equalise immediately.
- Queenside expansion with …a6, …b5, and pressure on the c-file.
- Piece pressure: Knights to f6 and c6, sometimes hopping to g4 or d4.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Hungarian Variation gained traction in the 1950s–70s through the
efforts of Hungarian stars trying to sidestep the towering Najdorf
theory of the era. Its reputation as a
surprise yet sound
weapon makes it popular at club level and a
recurring guest in elite play when players seek to avoid the heaviest
Najdorf/Dragon preparation.
Illustrative Game
Portisch – Spassky, Palma de Mallorca Interzonal 1970
Portisch demonstrated the power of the long-castled setup, eventually winning a smooth positional game when Spassky mistimed …Nc4 and fell under a kingside attack.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Benko’s Secret Weapon: Pal Benko reportedly introduced the variation to Bobby Fischer during training sessions, but Fischer preferred the Najdorf’s dynamism.
- Database Surprise Rate: Modern statistics show that the move 2…g6 scores slightly better than mainstream 2…d6 for players rated under 2200, largely due to surprise value.
- Transpositional Maze: Engines sometimes label early Hungarian games as “Accelerated Dragon” half-way through because the pawn structure can shift with a single move …d6 or …d5.
Quick Reference
- Opening family: Sicilian Defence
- ECO codes: B27 (main), occasionally B34–B36 after transposition
- Key idea: Immediate kingside fianchetto and central flexibility
- Common transpositions: Accelerated Dragon, Fianchetto Variation of the Grand Prix, Maroczy Bind structures