Introduction
The Hungarian Opening starts with the opening move, 1. g3.
In the Masters database, it is the most common opening move for White that does not control a central square.
Unlike the moves e4, d4, c4, and Nf3, the move g3 controls neither d5 nor e5 - see examples below.
Black's Responses
Since the Hungarian Opening does not control a central square, Black is allowed to make any move.
The following boards demonstrate some common opening lines:
These common opening lines resemble positions that can be achieved from the English Opening, a Queen's Pawn Opening, or a Reti Opening.
Opening Justification
The Hungarian Opening prevents undesirable pawn interactions, avoids sidelines and gambits, and plays in a flexible manner.
Depending on Black's response, the Hungarian Opening tranposes into an English Opening, a Queen's Pawn Opening, or a Reti Opening.
Unlike the Reti Opening, the Hungarian Opening allows White to place the king's knight on another square.
Additionally, it allows White to transpose into a Bird Opening against lazy defenders.
While the Hungarian Opening allows Black to choose any opening move, it more importantly prevents Black from hijacking the game.