Italian Game: Hungarian Defense

Before the first move

The Hungarian Defense is a solid, defensive choice against the Italian Game. By placing the bishop on e7 instead of the more aggressive c5, you avoid the tactical complications of the Fried Liver Attack while preparing a sturdy, flexible setup that prioritizes king safety and central control.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most popular move at all levels. It establishes a presence in the center and prepares for rapid development. While White aims for an open game, Black has many ways to respond, including the French or Sicilian defenses.

1... e5Black · your move

Push your pawn to e5. By mirroring White's move, you stake your own claim in the center and prevent White from easily pushing a second pawn to d4. This leads to an Open Game where piece activity is key.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, developing a piece while attacking your central pawn. You must now decide how to defend it. While the Center Game with d4 or the Alapin with Ne2 are possible, this knight move is the main highway of opening theory.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... Nc6Black · your move

Develop your knight to c6. This move defends your e5 pawn and prepares to challenge the center. It is the most standard response, keeping your options open while matching White's development piece for piece.

Other paths here: d5 (Elephant Gambit) · Qe7 (Gunderam Defense) · Bc5 (King's Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit) · f6 (King's Pawn Game: Damiano Defense)

3. Bc4White

White plays Bc4, the signature Italian move, aiming at your f7 pawn. You have a big choice here: the Giuoco Piano with Bc5 or the Two Knights Defense with Nf6 are more common, but today we look at a quieter alternative.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Irish Gambit) · g3 (King's Knight Opening: Konstantinopolsky) · c4 (King's Pawn Game: Dresden Opening) · b4 (King's Pawn Game: Pachman Wing Gambit)

3... Be7Black · your move

Move your bishop to e7. This defines the Hungarian Defense. By placing the bishop here, you guard the f6 square and avoid the sharp tactical lines of the Giuoco Piano. It is a modest but very resilient way to complete your development.

Other paths here: h6 (Italian Game: Anti-Fried Liver Defense) · Nd4 (Italian Game: Blackburne-Kostić Gambit) · Bc5 (Italian Game: Giuoco Piano) · d6 (Italian Game: Paris Defense)

Where you stand

The position is solid for both sides. White will typically aim for a d4 break to control the center, while Black focuses on castling and eventually challenging the center with d6 or Nf6. It is a game of maneuvering where patience and careful piece placement will decide the outcome.

• e1-g1 White secures the king by castling kingside.
• d2-d4 White strikes at the center to gain space.
• g8-f6 Black develops the knight to prepare for castling.
• e8-g8 Black tucks the king away into safety.
• c6-a5 Black may harass the white bishop on c4.