Named the Hungarian Defense because it was used by Hungarian masters (like József Szén and Johann Löwenthal) in the mid-19th century.
Moves:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Be7
Key Ideas
- Instead of the usual 3…Bc5 (Italian) or 3…Nf6 (Two Knights Defense), Black quietly plays 3…Be7.
- The idea is to avoid sharp lines like the Fried Liver Attack or Evans Gambit.
- Black prepares to castle and maintain a solid, flexible structure.
Plans in General
For Black
- Rapid castling: …Nf6, …O-O.
- Play …d6 followed by …Be6 or …Bg4, completing development.
- Aim for a stable, symmetrical pawn structure.
For White
- White gets more space and activity:
- 4.d4 → seize the center immediately.
- 4.O-O → quiet development, still maintaining the initiative.
- Often White has a freer game because Black’s bishop is passive.
Theoretical Status
- Rare at top level (considered slightly passive).
- But very solid at club level—good for players who want to avoid heavy Italian/Two Knights theory.
- Has been played occasionally even by strong GMs as a surprise or drawing weapon.
- Still occasionally appears in online blitz as a “quiet” alternative to the sharp Italian.
Sample Game:
White: Howard Staunton
Black: József Szén, London 1851,
Opening: Hungarian Defense (C50)
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Be7
- d4 exd4
- Nxd4 Nf6
- Nc3 O-O
- O-O d6
- Re1 Re8
- Nf5 Bxf5
- exf5 Ne5
- Bb3 c6
- Bg5 h6
- Bh4 Qd7
- f4 Neg4
- h3 d5
- hxg4 Bc5+
- Kh1 Rxe1+
- Qxe1 Nxg4
- f6 Qf5
- g3 g5
- fxg5 Qf3#
- 0-1
In Summary:
The Hungarian Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Be7) is a safe and quiet alternative to the Italian. Black avoids early tactics but at the cost of passivity, giving White a small advantage in space and activity.
