Budapest: Fajarowicz, 4.Nf3 Nc6
Budapest: Fajarowicz, 4.Nf3 Nc6
Definition
The term refers to a sharp branch of the Budapest Gambit, an opening that begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5. After the central pawn sacrifice 3. dxe5, Black avoids the main-line 3…Ng4 and instead plays 3…Ne4, the hallmark of the Fajarowicz Variation. The specific sub-variation defined by “4.Nf3 Nc6” describes White’s most common fourth move (developing the king’s knight to f3) and Black’s aggressive reply (developing the queen’s knight to c6), leading to an unbalanced, tactical middlegame.
Move Order & Key Position
The critical sequence is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e5
- 3. dxe5 Ne4 (Fajarowicz Variation)
- 4. Nf3 Nc6
After 4…Nc6, the position is full of tension. Black has no pawn in the center but compensates with active piece play, pressure on c4 and e5, and latent attacking prospects against White’s king side.
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s compensation: Development lead, open lines for both bishops, and tactical motifs based on …Bb4+, …Qe7, or …d6 striking at the e5-pawn.
- White’s aims: Consolidate the extra pawn by supporting e5 (often with Bf4 or Nc3) and eventually return material for a favorable endgame if necessary.
- Imbalances: Material surplus for White versus superior piece activity for Black; unclear king safety on both sides; dynamic central structure with possible pawn breaks …d6 or …f6 by Black and c5 or e4 by White.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Double attack on c4 and f2: …Bb4+ followed by …Qe7 can fork White’s king and e5-pawn.
- Greek-gift-style sacrifices: After the thematic …Bb4+ and …Qe7, ideas like …Nxe5 or …Bxa3 can arise.
- Central break …d6: Undermines the e5-pawn, opening files for rooks and queen.
Historical Background
The Fajarowicz Variation is named after the Hungarian master Sándor Fajarowicz (1892-1954), who frequently employed 3…Ne4 in the early 20th century. While the main Budapest Gambit (3…Ng4) was introduced in 1896, Fajarowicz’s innovation gained traction in the 1920s, fitting well with the hyper-modern spirit of prioritizing piece activity over classical pawn structures.
The 4.Nf3 Nc6 line became the “main line” only in the computer era, as engines demonstrated that immediate attempts to trap the e4-knight (such as 4. Qd5) were less promising than once believed.
Usage in Modern Play
Although rarely seen at elite super-GM level, the variation remains a popular surprise weapon in rapid and online blitz due to its practical attacking chances and the likelihood of steering White into unfamiliar territory.
- In classical chess: Occasional guest; for example, GM Evgeny Bareev and GM Csaba Balogh have employed it.
- In rapid/blitz: Favored by tactical players such as GM Baadur Jobava.
Illustrative Game
One of the most-cited examples is the miniature:
Black’s final move 15…Nd3# demonstrates the lurking mating nets characteristic of the variation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The Fajarowicz knight on e4 is sometimes jokingly called “the squatter” because it brazenly occupies the enemy half of the board from move three!
- Many club players learn the gambit from the famous tactical puzzle “Budapest Bombshell,” where Black mates with …Bb4+ and …Nf3# after a misstep by White.
- Engines initially condemned the line as dubious, but modern neural-net AIs (e.g., Leela, Stockfish 16) evaluate the main position after 4…Nc6 as only slightly better for White (≈ +0.4) — respectable for a pawn gambit.
Practical Tips
- For Black: Hit quickly with …Bb4+, delay castling if it helps intensify pressure, and be ready to sacrifice further material to keep lines open.
- For White: Do not cling to the e5-pawn at all costs; timely return of material can neutralize Black’s initiative.
- Know Your Theory: Because the position is forced and tactical, a few memorized move orders can save you from early disaster (e.g., after 5. a3 d6 6. exd6 Bxd6! avoids losing a piece).
Related Terms
See also Budapest Gambit, Greco Counter-Gambit for other d-pawn gambits, and the sister line 4.Qd5 in the Fajarowicz for an alternative strategy.