Italian Game Hungarian Tartakower Variation
Italian Game – Hungarian Tartakower Variation
Definition
The Hungarian Tartakower Variation is a dynamic gambit line that arises from the Italian Game by way of the Hungarian Defense:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Be7 4. d4 exd4 5. c3 (Diagram after 5.c3)
With 5.c3 White immediately strikes at the d4-pawn, offering a second pawn to accelerate development and open lines, much in the spirit of the Danish and Göring Gambits. The idea was popularised by the Polish-French grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, hence the name.
Typical Move Order
After 5.c3 Black must decide whether to accept or decline the gambit.
- Accepted: 5…dxc3 6.Nxc3 d6 7.O-O Nf6 when White enjoys a lead in development at the cost of one pawn.
- Declined: 5…Nf6 6.e5 Ne4 7.O-O d5, transposing to more restrained Italian structures.
Strategic Themes
- Rapid Development: White often castles long or short on the next move and places rooks on e1 and d1 to seize the open files.
- Central Majority vs. Extra Pawn: If Black hangs onto the c-pawn, the queenside majority can become weak and hard to defend.
- Piece Activity: Knights usually head for d5 and f5 while the light-squared bishop eyes f7, making Black’s king safety a constant concern.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
At the start of the 20th century the line attracted several attacking players—including Tartakower himself—seeking to sharpen the otherwise quiet Hungarian Defense (3…Be7). Although modern engines show Black can equalise with precise play, the variation remains a dangerous practical weapon, especially at faster time controls where the initiative is paramount.
Model Game
A classic illustration of White’s attacking chances:
White sacrifices material, but the resulting pressure on f7 and the centralized knight on e5 create lasting attacking chances.
Typical Tactics & Motifs
- Qd5 Double Attack: If Black plays 5…dxc3? 6.Qd5 attacks both c3 and f7 and can win material immediately.
- Greek Gift Themes: With the bishop already on c4, sacrifices on f7 (Bxf7+) are always in the air.
- Pin on the e-file: After castling short, Re1 pins the e7-bishop against the king on e8, often winning a tempo or a pawn back.
Practical Tips
- As White, do not hesitate to return the pawn with an immediate e4-e5 or c3-cxd4 break if development lags.
- Black should consider returning the pawn with …d6 and …Nf6 to catch up in development and achieve solidity.
- Endgames often favour Black’s extra pawn, so White must keep the position lively.
Fun Facts
- Tartakower allegedly coined the phrase “The most difficult move to find is the best one” after missing an improvement in this very line.
- Because it can transpose into a reversed Smith-Morra Gambit, some players call it the “Hungarian Morra.”
Further Study
Look up the games Tartakower – Maróczy, Vienna 1908 and Kasparov – Andersson, Moscow 1981 (simul) for contrasting examples of White’s attacking chances and Black’s defensive resources.