Hungarian Defense - How to Play the e-pawn Openings - The Complete Chess Course From Beginning To Winning Chess! (2016)

The Complete Chess Course From Beginning To Winning Chess! (2016)

Book Seven

How to Play the e-pawn Openings

Hungarian Defense

Black sometimes adopts this defense to evade the Giuoco Piano or Evans Gambit. However, the result is a cramped game for him. Therefore this defense is not recommended for Black.

Hungarian Defense

White - Black

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Be7

Black’s last move is the characteristic move of this defense.

4.d4! (D)

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Position after 4.d4!

If Black plays 4…exd4 the sequel might be 5.Nxd4 d6 6.0-0 Nf6 7.Nc3 0-0 8.h3 when Black has a cramped position reminiscent of Philidor’s Defense (page 228).

4…d6 5.d5!

The key move of White’s plan: Black is to be permanently tied up.

5…Nb8 6.Bd3!

White must prevent Black’s only way of seeking freedom - by …f5.

6…Nf6 7.c4 0-0

On 7…Nbd7 8.Nc3 0-0 9.h3 Nc5 10.Bc2 a5 11.Be3 and Black’s position is crowded just as badly as in the text line.

8.h3! c6 9.Nc3 Na6 10.Be3 Nc7 11.0-0 Nfe8 12.Qc2!

White has much the better game. Black’s position is sadly constricted.