Hungarian Opening: Symmetrical Variation
Hungarian Opening: Symmetrical Variation
Definition
The Hungarian Opening begins with the flank move 1. g3, preparing to fianchetto the king’s bishop on g2. When Black mirrors White’s setup with 1…g6, the game enters the Symmetrical Variation. Typical move-orders are:
1. g3 g6
2. Bg2 Bg7
3. Nf3 Nf6
4. d3 d6
Both sides adopt identical structures—double fianchettos, kings castled short, and a compact central pawn chain (d3/d6 & e2/e7). The opening code most often associated with this line is A00 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).
Typical Move Order
- g3 g6
- Bg2 Bg7
- Nf3 Nf6
- d3 d6
- O-O O-O
- c4 c5 (or …e5)
The sequence is extremely flexible; either side can slip in …e5/e4, …c5/c4, or even …b5/b4 to steer the game toward King’s Indian-type, English Opening, or Benoni-style middlegames.
Strategic Ideas
- Patience and flexibility. Because the center stays fluid, plans often revolve around piece maneuvering rather than early pawn breaks.
- Central break …e5/e4. The first player to establish a pawn on the fifth rank (e5 or e4) often seizes the initiative, gaining space and opening the long diagonal for the fianchettoed bishop.
- Minor-piece battles. Knights frequently pivot between d2-c4-e3 (White) or d7-c5-e6 (Black). Bishops eye the long diagonals a1–h8 and a8–h1.
- Endgame readiness. The symmetrical, solid pawn shell means many games drift into equal endgames; understanding subtle pawn levers (f4/f5, b4/b5) is crucial.
Historical Notes
The name “Hungarian Opening” traces back to Hungarian masters at the turn of the 20th century—most notably Gyula Breyer and Géza Maróczy—who experimented with 1. g3 to escape well-trodden 1. e4 and 1. d4 theory. The symmetrical line attracted players seeking double-edged but theory-light positions.
Modern grandmasters such as Richard Rapport and Baadur Jobava occasionally choose the Symmetrical Variation as a surprise weapon in rapid and blitz, valuing its rich transpositional potential.
Illustrative Game
Below is an instructive miniature showing how a timely central break yields dynamic play. Try loading the PGN to examine the tactics:
[[Pgn| g3|g6|Bg2|Bg7|Nf3|Nf6|O-O|O-O|d3|d6|c4|e5|Nc3|Nc6|Rb1|a5|a3|h6|b4|axb4|axb4|Be6|b5|Nd4|Nxd4|exd4|Ne4|Nxe4|Bxe4|d5|cxd5|Bxa8|Qxa8 |fen|r2q1rk1/1p2bpbp/2pp2pp/1P2p3/2PpB3/3P1P2/5BP1/R1BQ1RK1 b - - 0 1| arrows|e6h3,d4c2,c3d5|squares|e4,d4,h3 ]]White’s 12. b4! seized space, and the later Bxa8 tactic exploited Black’s loose queenside structure—a common motif when symmetry is finally broken.
Sample Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Break with c4 and later d4, turning the game into a reversed Benoni.
- Advance f4, follow with e4, aiming at a King’s Indian-attack setup.
- Provoke weaknesses on the queenside by b4-b5 or a4-a5.
- Black
- Mirror White’s ideas: …c5, …d5, then …d4 to cramp the g2-bishop.
- Shift to a Modern Defense structure with …e5 and …Nc6, contesting d4.
- Prepare …b5-b4 after …a6 to expand on the queenside before White does.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The earliest known use of 1. g3 g6 occurred in the London 1899 tournament—long before ECO A00 existed.
- Because the opening can transpose into dozens of systems (English, Catalan, King’s Indian Attack/Defense), some coaches call 1. g3 “the Swiss-Army knife of first moves.”
- There is a blitz tradition among top Hungarian players—Polgár sisters included—of beginning casual games with 1. g3 solely to avoid theoretical debates.
When to Use It
Choose the Symmetrical Variation if you:
- Want to leave mainstream theory early while still reaching a solid, balanced setup.
- Feel comfortable maneuvering quietly before striking in the center.
- Enjoy playing both sides of similar structures—helpful for training positional understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Symmetry masks a wealth of hidden asymmetries that appear after the first pawn break.
- Timing of the central thrust …e5/e4 (or …c5/c4) is the critical strategic question.
- Because piece trades are frequent, endgame skill is paramount.