Sicilian Hungarian: 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
Sicilian Defence: Hungarian Variation
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4
Definition
The Hungarian Variation is an early branch of the Open Sicilian (ECO B30) that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. It is named for a group of Hungarian masters—most notably László Szabó, Gedeon Barcza, and later Pal Benko—who championed the line in the mid-20th century. At move 4 the position is still “tabula rasa” for Black; almost every major Sicilian set-up (Classical, Sveshnikov, Accelerated Dragon, Kan, Scheveningen, etc.) can be reached with a single further move.
Typical Move-Order Tree
- 4…Nf6 → Classical Main Line (5.Nc3 d6 or 5…e5).
- 4…e5 → Sveshnikov / Kalashnikov Complex (5.Nb5).
- 4…g6 → Accelerated Dragon (5.Nc3 Bg7).
- 4…e6 → Paulsen / Kan ideas (5.Nc3 a6 or 5…Qc7).
- 4…d6 → Scheveningen-type positions.
- 4…Qc7 or 4…Qb6 → Bastrikov and other sidelines.
Strategic Themes
Because 4.Nxd4 immediately recaptures in the center, White maintains a strong presence on d4 and keeps options open for f2–f4, c2–c4 or even Be3–Qd2 batteries. Black, having committed the queen’s knight to c6, must decide whether to:
- Challenge the d4-knight with …Nf6 and …e5 (Classical / Sveshnikov).
- Fianchetto the bishop with …g6, striking on the long diagonal.
- Adopt a flexible pawn structure with …e6 and …a6 (Paulsen/Kan).
Both sides fight for the d4/e5 squares and for dynamic piece activity on the semi-open c- and d-files.
Historical Significance
The label “Hungarian” first appeared in 1940s tournament books when Szabó and Barcza routinely answered 2…Nc6 with 3.d4. Their results helped establish 2…Nc6 as a reputable alternative to 2…d6. Later, the line served as a springboard for the creation of the Sveshnikov Variation (popularized by Evgeny Sveshnikov in the 1970s) and for the modern Accelerated Dragon favored by Benko and Portisch.
Notable Games
- Pal Benko – Bobby Fischer, Candidates (1962): An early showcase of 4…g6 ideas.
- Garry Kasparov – Nigel Short, Linares 1993: 4…e5 Sveshnikov with opposite-wing attacks.
- Magnus Carlsen – Anish Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2011: 4…Nf6 Classical; Carlsen squeezes a rook end-game.
Illustrative Mini-Line
The popular Sveshnikov path can unfold as follows:
After 11.Na3 the board is brimming with tension: Black has spatial advantage but must watch the d5 square; White eyes a knight hop to c4 or d5.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- When computers first began defeating grandmasters, the Sveshnikov off-shoot of the Hungarian was one of the few Sicilian branches held in higher esteem by engines than by humans—its structural weaknesses looked risky to people, but silicon loved the activity.
- Pal Benko introduced the line to Bobby Fischer, who then used it (successfully) against Benko at the 1962 Candidates—an ironic twist often retold in Benko’s memoirs.
- The move 4.Nxd4 is so universal that some databases list over 200 000 master-level games starting from the position—making it one of the top ten most-reached positions in all recorded chess.
Practical Tips
- If you play 2…Nc6 as Black, be ready for a menu, not a recipe—your fifth move often decides the variation.
- White players should memorize ideas more than moves: pawn breaks f4–f5, c2–c4, and the d5 square loom large in nearly every sub-line.
- Endgame alert: the early exchange on d4 leaves both d-pawns gone; many endings feature minority attacks on the queenside, so pawn structure awareness pays dividends.