King’s Fianchetto Opening (also known as Hungarian Opening) is a hypermodern flank opening that starts with 1.g3. It is considered a flexible approach for White. By not committing the center, White usually aims to control the center through minor pieces from stable locations.
It was played by many of the top players over time. Its debut at the elite level dates back to the 1800s. Many grandmasters nowadays use it for fast time controls due to its practical usage.
Winning Percentage on Both Sides
Master Games Statistics
| Results | Rate |
| Victory for White | 36% |
| Draw | 39% |
| Victory for Black | 25% |
Statistics from 72 Million Amateur Games
| Results | Rate |
| Victory for White | 50% |
| Draw | 4% |
| Victory for Black | 46% |
Main Ideas
In this opening, White usually aims to create a fianchetto square for the f1-Bishop and place the g1-Knight at f3. d3- and e4-pawn pushes are typical to claim the center later on. By not playing the orthodox e4- or d4- moves, White seeks to strike back and utilize its g2-Bishop. The pawn structure in this move order is often favorable for White since there are no certain weaknesses if the game proceeds correctly. Black usually equalizes quickly; however, the lack of a plan may lead them to make significant positional mistakes.
Theoretical Lines in King’s Fianchetto Opening
The 1..d5 line usually gives the center to Black, whereas White places their pieces strategically to undermine them and create weaknesses in the opponent’s position.
The 2…c6 line often allows Black’s light square Bishop out and gives them a Slav-type structure. White usually plays a similar set-up as the other variations. These games are generally closed in terms of pawn structure.
The 3…Bg4 line, in general, leads positions where White aims to open up the ‘a8-h1’ diagonal to exploit the b7-pawn’s vulnerability. Black often seeks to put pressure on the f3-Knight.
1…Nf6 is a flexible approach where the game can lead to both strategic and tactical battles, depending on the continuation.
1…d5 variation
It starts with 1…d5. It is the most common reply to 1.g3 at amateur and master levels. By going with the d-pawn forward, Black seeks to claim the center. White usually fianchettos the f1-Bishop into g2 and places the Knight on f3 in different move orders.
White usually plays d3 and e4 moves to activate the scope of the g2-Bishop. If Black tries to lock the center by pushing the pawns, White can launch an attack in the Kingside, similar to the King’s Indian Attack, where the f-pawn can be moved forward, and the minor pieces can be stacked up on the Kingside to hunt the rival King.
One sample line to examine could be 1…d5, 2.Bg2 (developing the Bishop), 2…Nf6 (improving the Knight), 3.Nf3, 3…Nc6 (supporting the e4), 3…e6 (c6 is also played, and we will examine the c6-type of structure in more detail in this article), and 4.d4 (fixing the pawn structure and aiming to open up the scope of the g2-Bishop). In this position, Black’s light-squared Bishop would be inside the pawn chain, meaning they would likely fianchetto that bishop on b7-square. White usually aims to go for the typical c4-pawn break to create problems on the long ‘a8-h1’ diagonal.
White can continue their development after they play c4 by moving the b-pawn forward to b3 and fianchettoing the c1-Bishop to b2. This way, they can control the ‘a1-h8’ diagonal and prevent Black’s one of the main ideas, which is the e5-pawn break. Then, they can place the b1-Knight on d2 to support the e4-pawn break for the future, with the help of Re1 after White castles.
Meanwhile, Black can place their b8-Knight into d7, their f8-Bishop into e7, and fianchetto the c8-Bishop to b7 by playing b6 and Bb7. Then, Black would like to play Rc8 (To control the c-file) to play c5 and open up the c-file.
Most games with this variation require positional understanding and knowledge of pawn structure elements to create the right pawn breaks and make the right trades.
2…c6 line
It occurs with 2.Bg2, and Black plays 2…c6. The c6-pawn push can be played later on as well, but it gives a clue as to where the b8-Knight will be (Potentially on d7 later on, rather than c6). The set-up for White is usually similar to what we already analyzed.
White usually puts the g1-Knight on f3 (3.Nf3). Then, White either plays d3 with the idea of e4 or goes for the d4-c4 pawn push to oppress the light squares. After White plays 3.Nf3, Black usually develops their g8-Knight to f6 (3…Nf6) at the amateur level. Then, White can castle and decide what type of pawn structure they desire.
Since we already covered the d4-c4 type of structure, we will cover the d3-e4 type in this section. One sample line could be 4.d3 (preparing the e4-pawn push). 4…Bf5 (bringing the Bishop outside before playing e6), 5. O-O, 5…e6 (opening up the f8-Bishop and preparing to castle on the short side soon), 6.Nbd2 (developing the Knight and controlling the critical e4-square), 6…h6 (creating a safe home for the light-squared Bishop to meet White’s potential Nh4 ideas), 7.b3 (creating a fianchetto square for the dark-squared Bishop), 7…Be7 (Improving the Bishop and preparing the Castle), 8.Bb2, 8…O-O, 9.Re1 (aiming to go for the e4-push), 9…Bh7 (since the e4 is preventable, the Bishop retreats before it is played to have a flexible option in the next turn) and 10.e4.
In these positions, Black usually tries to push the a- and b- pawns forward to create an outside passed pawn in the endgame. White typically moves the e-pawn to e5, controls the central space, or goes for another pawn break.
It is hard to describe a certain plan that will fit every position due to the positional nature of this line.
3…Bg4 line
This line starts with 1…d5, and White develops the f1-Bishop to g2 (2.Bg2). Then, Black responds by developing their g8-Knight to f6 (2…Nf6). White finishes their general set-up with 3.Nf3 and Black responds by attacking the f3-Knight with 3…Bg4.
To understand this opening, we must understand the difference between the other variations we analyzed in this setup (g3-Bg2-Nf3). Black’s light-squared Bishop was on f5 or b7 in most other lines. By putting it at g4, Black may allow White to generate tempos over that Bishop. White can utilize this to create a pawn storm in the Kingside to suffocate Black on many occasions. Black usually doesn’t want to give that Bishop for the f3-Knight, because White’s light-squared Bishop would be significantly empowered.
One sample line could be 4. O-O, 4…e6 (activating the f8-Bishop and solidifying the pawn structure), 5.d4 (fixing the d-pawns to play c4), 5…c6, 6.Ne5 (attacking the g4-Bishop), 6…Bh5 (Protecting the Bishop), 7.c4, 7…Nbd7 (developing the b8-Knight to attack the strong e5-Knight), 8.Nc3 (improving the Knight), 8…Nxe5, 9.dxe5, 9…Nd7 (retreating the Knight and targeting the e5-pawn), 10.cxd5, 10…cxd5, and 11.f4. In the resulting position, White aims to play h3-g4 pawn pushes with tempo to create menace on the enemy King. On the other hand, Black would like to take advantage of the weak squares on the ‘a7-g1’ diagonal.
1…Nf6 variation
It begins after Black responds with 1…Nf6. It is the second most common move among master-level players; however, it is not played often by amateurs. It is usually chosen due to its flexible nature.
White usually goes for their regular set-up with c4-d4 combined with Bg2 and Nf3. White can also play the d3-e4 pawn structure, combined with c3 and a4, to create a safe square on the c4 for the b1-Knight (Nbd2-Nc4 maneuvers are quite common in many lines in this set-up).
2.Bg2 is the most common move by White. Then, Black can play d5, and it would transition to the d5-line we examined. Black can also play g6 and create a symmetrical set-up themselves.
One imbalanced line could be 2.Bg2, 2…g6 (intending to fianchetto the f8-Bishop to g7), 3.e4 (since Black plays hypermodern as well, White can try to expand in the center), 3…d6, 4.d4, 4…Bg7, 5.h3 (securing the g4-square and preventing the opponent’s c8-Bishop from coming to that location), 5…O-O, 6.Ne2 (improving the Knight), 6…e5 (fixing the pawns on the e-file), 7.d5 (advancing the pawns), 7…c6 and 8.c4. In the resulting position, Black would try to undermine White’s pawn structure, while White would aim to have the b4-c5 pawn break in to create a passed pawn.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| White can undermine the opponent’s pawn structure and create weak pawns for the endgame if the rival overextends. | It usually requires understanding pawn structures and positional chess to create a plan. |
| Black cannot prove an advantage easily. It is not simple to generate the King’s Fianchetto Opening counter. | White often gives up the center. |
| Endgames often favor White due to the solid pawn structure. | White may feel suffocated in space in certain lines. |
| Players with better strategy can prove their chess ability compared to low-level players without getting into tactical complications. | Black usually equalizes easily. |
Common Trap
Hungarian Trap
This trap starts with the 1…d5 variation, then White plays 2.Bg2. After that, Black advances their e-pawn forward (2…e5). Normally, 3.d4 is the most common King’s Fianchetto Opening response; however, if White is not careful and plays 3.Nf3, 3…e4 (attacking the f3-Knight) would force the Knight to go to a worse square. If White does not pick the square wisely and goes to e5 (4.Ne5), 4…f6 would trap the Knight.
Conclusion
The Hungarian Opening is a chess opening that starts with 1.g3. It is considered a reliable and practical source in blitz games where the set-ups are apparent for the first five moves. Once the game approaches the middlegame, creating plans for low-level players might be challenging.
FAQ’s
Is King’s Fianchetto a Good Opening?
The King’s Fianchetto is considered a solid and flexible opening. It allows for a strong bishop placement and can lead to a robust pawn structure. However, its effectiveness depends on the player’s style and the opponent’s response.
Is the Hungarian Opening Good for Beginners?
The Hungarian Opening can be a good choice for beginners. It is less aggressive and more about controlling the center and positioning, which can be beneficial for players still learning the game’s nuances.
Tennison Gambit 
Polish Opening 
Grob Opening 
Smith-Morra Gambit