Indian Defense: Budapest, Fajarowicz-Steiner
Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation
Definition
The Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation is an aggressive, offbeat branch of the
Budapest Defense, itself a member of the broad family of Indian
Defenses that begin with 1…Nf6 against 1. d4. The characteristic move
order is:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 (Fajarowicz-Steiner)
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 Nf6 – Black adopts an “Indian” setup.
- 2. c4 e5 – The pawn sacrifice that defines the Budapest Defense.
- 3. dxe5 Ne4 – Instead of the main line 3…Ng4, Black immediately plants the knight on e4, inviting complications.
Strategic Ideas
- Piece Activity over Material: Black gambits a pawn to seize central squares (e4, d5) and rapid development.
- Pressure on c5 & f2: Typical plans include …Bb4+, …Nc6, and …Qh4 aiming at tactical strikes against White’s king and queenside.
- Dynamic Imbalance: White enjoys an extra pawn but must parry threats and untangle pieces; the variation often leads to unbalanced, tactical middlegames.
- Endgame Risk: If Black’s initiative fizzles, the extra pawn gives White favorable endgames, so timing is critical for the gambiteer.
Historical Background
The idea 3…Ne4 was first explored by the Hungarian master Sammi Fajarowicz in the 1920s and later refined by the Austrian-Hungarian grandmaster László Steiner, hence the double-barreled name. Although never fully embraced by mainstream theory, it has surfaced in tournament play for a century, rewarding players who relish surprise weapons.
Model Game Snapshot
A classic illustration is Fajarowicz – Steiner, Vienna 1928:
Steiner demonstrated how Black’s swarm of pieces can outweigh the pawn, eventually converting the initiative into a winning attack.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- Black
- Rapid development: …Nc6, …Bb4+, …O-O-O or kingside castling.
- Target f2: …Qh4 and …Bb4+ motifs force tactical decisions.
- Central pawn breaks: …d6 followed by …dxe5 or …f6 to loosen White’s center.
- White
- Return material if necessary to blunt the attack (e.g., e2-e3).
- Complete development safely: Nf3, e3, Be2, O-O.
- Utilize the extra pawn in endgame transitions.
Theoretical Status
Modern engines rate the line as objectively dubious for Black, awarding White a small edge (≈ +0.6 to +0.9) with best play. Nevertheless, practical results are healthier because many opponents are unprepared for the early 3…Ne4 shock.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Richard Rapport used the variation in youth events, citing its “fun chaos value.”
- Because the ECO code A51-A52 bundles several Budapest branches, databases sometimes mis-label the Fajarowicz-Steiner, causing surprise prep gaps.
- In online blitz, the line scores above 50 % for Black under the 2200 rating range, illustrating its trap potential.
Example Trap
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 4. Qd4? (grabbing another pawn) 4… Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Nxd2! 6. Nxd2 Nc6 — Black regains material with a strong attack since 7. Qe3 fails to …Bxd2+.
When to Use It
Ideal in rapid or blitz games, club-level tournaments, or as a one-off surprise against opponents who rely heavily on main-line theory. Less suitable for long time-controls where precise defense can neutralize the gambit.