Hungarian Defence: 3...Be7 is variation 6 of 6 in the Italian Game course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C50). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Be7 4. d4 d6 …. Black avoids all Italian tactics with 3...Be7. White takes extra central space with 4.d4 and 5.d5, reaching a comfortable King's Indian-reversed structure. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and hits e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bc4 – Aims at f7.
3... Be7 – The Hungarian: Black keeps everything solid and avoids Ng5 tricks.
4. d4 – Against a passive set-up, take more of the centre at once.
4... d6 – Black holds e5.
5. d5 – Gains space and kicks the c6 knight; Black is left cramped.
5... Nb8 – The knight retreats and will re-route via d7 or a6.
6. Bd3 – The bishop on c4 would be blocked by its own d5 pawn, so it moves to d3, supporting e4 and making room for c4.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and pressures e4.
7. c4 – Secures the d5 pawn and grabs queenside space for a later c5 break.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. h3 – Stops ...Bg4, which would trade off the knight that guards d4 and e5.
8... c6 – Black challenges the d5 pawn.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM