Hungarian Opening: Indian Defense

1. g3 Nf6

Opening Preview

This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.

Opening Name: Hungarian Opening: Indian Defense

Moves: 1. g3 Nf6

Description: The Hungarian Opening with 1.g3 is a flexible, hypermodern approach where White prepares to fianchetto the bishop on g2, aiming for long-term control of the central dark squares from a distance rather than immediate occupation. Black responds with 1...Nf6, developing a knight and controlling central squares, typical of Indian Defenses.

Characteristic: The key characteristic of this opening is White’s early fianchetto, which supports control over the center indirectly. White does not immediately challenge the center with pawns but focuses on solid development and flexibility.

Attacking or Defensive: For White, this opening is primarily strategic and somewhat defensive, focusing on solid development and control rather than an immediate attack. Black’s 1...Nf6 is a classical, flexible developing move that can lead to both attacking or defensive setups depending on how the game proceeds.

Center Control: White does not directly attack the center with pawns early on but exerts influence through the fianchettoed bishop. Black immediately contests central squares with the knight, maintaining a stake in the center.

Related Puzzles

Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Hungarian Opening: Indian Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.

Puzzle 1 of 7 - Move #4 white

Featured Games

You can also discover how top players used Hungarian Opening: Indian Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.