Hungarian Opening: Myers Defense
Hungarian Opening: Myers Defense
Definition
The Hungarian Opening begins with 1. g3, a flexible fianchetto that can transpose into many set-ups (King’s Indian Attack, Catalan-type positions, etc.). When Black replies with 1…d5 and, after 2. Bg2, follows up with 2…c6, the position is classified as the Myers Defense (ECO code A00). The line is named after the American opening innovator Hugh E. Myers (1930-2008), who advocated early …c6 against flank openings to obtain a solid but dynamic Caro-Slav structure.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common sequences is:
- g3 d5
- Bg2 c6
- Nf3 Nf6
- O-O Bf5
- d3 e6
From here both sides have several plans. White may strike in the centre with e4 or c4, while Black can aim for …h6–…Bd6–…Nbd7 and a later …e5 break.
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s concept: By playing …d5 and …c6 early, Black builds a Caro-Kann-like pawn chain that is tough to undermine. The light-squared bishop is developed outside the pawn chain (…Bf5 or …Bg4) before …e6 or …e5 locks it in.
- White’s resources:
- Challenge the centre with c4 (Slav-style) or e4 (King’s Indian Attack style).
- Exploit the kingside fianchetto by pressuring the long diagonal after moves such as c4, Qb3, or cxd5 cxd5 e4.
- Piece placement:
- White often uses Nf3, d3, Nbd2, e4, Re1, and sometimes e4-e5 to gain space.
- Black may mirror the Slav: …Nf6, …e6, …Nbd7, …Bd6, castles short, then push …e5 at an opportune moment.
Why Play (or Face) the Myers Defense?
- Surprise value: 1. g3 is already off the main highway, and the …c6 set-up may steer the game away from well-analysed Catalan or KIA territory.
- Solid yet unbalancing: Black avoids the symmetrical 1…g6 lines and fights for the centre immediately, but without the rigidity of …e5.
- Transpositional latitude: Depending on White’s third move the game can transpose to a Reversed Grünfeld, a Closed Sicilian structure, or even a Pirc-type position.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short model shows typical ideas for both sides:
[[Pgn| g3|d5| Bg2|c6| Nf3|Nf6| O-O|Bf5| d3|e6| Nc3|h6| e4|dxe4| dxe4|Qxd1| Rxd1|Nxe4| Nd4|Nxc3| bxc3|Bg6 |arrows|d7d5;c7c6;e6e5|squares|e4;f5 ]]Notes: 1. White strikes with e4 on move 7, leading to early exchanges. 2. Black’s queen trade on d1 highlights the robust nature of the Myers setup: structural soundness and no weaknesses.
Historical & Anecdotal Notes
- Hugh Myers was famous for championing eccentric openings (e.g., 1. g4 – the Grob). His advocacy of …c6 against 1. g3 was actually one of his more orthodox ideas!
- Because the line seldom appears in elite events, it is a favourite weapon of correspondence and online blitz specialists who relish steering opponents out of book on move two.
- A rare Grand-Master-level appearance was in Beliavsky – Portisch, Linares 1985, where Portisch equalised comfortably and later won in 40 moves.
Practical Tips
- For White:
- Do not drift; if you allow …e5 with a full Caro-Kann centre, Black is simply fine.
- Either hit quickly with c4 or e4, or manoeuvre for a kingside pawn storm with Nd2-f3, h3, Kh2, and g4.
- For Black:
- Develop the queen’s bishop before committing the e-pawn.
- Keep an eye on b7: after Qb3 or cxd5 the b-pawn can become tender; …Qb6 or …Qc8 are common prophylactic replies.
Summary
The Hungarian Opening: Myers Defense is an off-beat but fundamentally sound response to 1. g3. By blending Caro-Kann solidity with flexible piece play, it gives Black an easy development scheme and a fighting game, while White retains the typical fianchetto-based pressure. Its rarity, historical association with creative thinker Hugh Myers, and surprisingly rich middlegame plans make it an attractive choice for players seeking fresh positions as early as move two.