Italian Game: Hungarian Defense
Italian Game: Hungarian Defense
Definition
The Hungarian Defense is a variation of the Italian Game that arises after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Be7
Instead of challenging White’s center or bishop with 3…Bc5 (Giuoco Piano) or 3…Nf6 (Two Knights Defense), Black calmly develops the king’s bishop to e7, preparing rapid castling and steering the game into quieter, more positional channels.
Typical Move Order
A main line continues:
- 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. Nc3 d6 7. O-O O-O
- 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. Nxd4 O-O 7. O-O d6
Strategic Ideas
- Solid but Passive: By placing the bishop on e7, Black blocks the e-file and postpones direct pressure on the e4-pawn. The upside is a compact, hard-to-break structure; the downside is limited piece activity.
- Rapid Castling: Black can castle immediately (…Nf6 and …O-O) without worrying about the Fried Liver-style tactics that haunt the Two Knights Defense.
- Central Control Later: Plans often revolve around …d6, …Be6 or …Bg4, and eventually …d5 to challenge White’s center under favorable circumstances.
- White’s Choices: White may choose an open center with d4 or a slower buildup with c3, d3, and Nbd2, saving tension for the middlegame.
Historical & Modern Significance
The name “Hungarian Defense” dates back to 19th-century Budapest masters who preferred solid, prophylactic setups. Although it never became a mainstream weapon at the highest level, it is historically notable for:
- Early Use by József Szén and Johann Löwenthal in the 1840-1850s.
- Akiba Rubinstein employing it as Black in multiple exhibition games, proving it could hold its own against aggressive contemporaries.
- Resurgence as a surprise line in rapid and blitz; e.g., Rapport vs. Karjakin, FIDE Grand Prix 2016, where Karjakin equalized comfortably in 22 moves.
Example Game
Short & instructive miniature showing typical ideas:
[[Pgn| e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|Bc4|Be7 |d4|exd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|d6|O-O|O-O|Re1|Re8|h3|Bf8|Bg5|h6|Bh4|Nxd4|Qxd4|Be7|Rad1|Be6|Bxe6|fxe6|Qc4|Qd7|e5|Nh7|Bxe7|Qxe7|exd6|cxd6|Nb5|d5|Qf4|Rac8|Nd6|Rf8|Nxc8|Rxf4|Nxe7+|Kf7|Nxd5|– |fen|| ]]Key points from the game:
- White expanded with d4 and later e5, exploiting Black’s modest setup.
- Black aimed for solidity but drifted into passivity once the e- and d-files opened.
- The exchange sacrifice …Rxf4 illustrated Black’s typical counter-punching chances when White overextends.
Typical Plans & Pitfalls
- For White
- Early d4 to seize space, followed by Nxd4 and Be3/Qe2 for quick development.
- Slow plan: c3, d3, Nbd2, Re1, h3, aiming for a kingside expansion with g4.
- Avoid premature sacrifices on f7; Black’s bishop on e7 covers many tactical shots common in the Two Knights.
- For Black
- Break in the center with …d5 only when pieces are harmonized; doing it too soon can yield a weak isolated pawn.
- Redeploy the c6-knight to e5 or d4 squares after …Nd7-e5 or …Ne5-g6.
- Watch for pins with Bg5; be ready for …Be6 or …Nxd4 to neutralize them.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In some databases the code C50 covers both the Giuoco Piano and the Hungarian; engines often evaluate 3…Be7 as +0.25-0.30 for White—respectable but slightly passive.
- The Hungarian was once recommended to beginners for its “trap-free” nature, but that myth backfired when scholastic players discovered pins like Bg5 and tactics on f7.
- Grandmaster Lajos Portisch, Hungary’s greatest player of the 20th century, almost never used the “Hungarian” Defense—he favored the more dynamic 3…Bc5!
When to Use It
Choose the Hungarian Defense if you want:
- A surprise weapon against Italian-Game specialists.
- A sound, theory-light system that avoids the razor-sharp Fried Liver and Evans Gambit lines.
- Endgame-oriented positions where pawn structures remain intact and piece maneuvering skills shine.
In short, the Hungarian Defense trades early activity for rock-solid development, making it a viable—if slightly under-ambitious—choice for players who relish maneuvering battles.