Chessy
Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine as White
After 1.g3 e5 2.Nf3, you reach the Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine with Black to move. It is a slightly uncomfortable structure for White, so the main goal is not to drift into a passive game. Instead, use the drill below to feel out the critical moment, meet the most common replies, and learn why the engine prefers one sharp continuation over the usual developing moves. This is a good opening to study if you want a flexible start, but you still need a clear plan once Black takes the centre.
Play the Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine against the engine
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Create a free account →What the position is asking you to solve
Stockfish rates this -0.28, a small edge for Black. That means you are slightly worse, so you should not expect an easy opening advantage. The position is already directing play toward central tension, and Black’s most natural reaction is to claim space and keep the initiative. Your task in the drill is to stay active, avoid drifting, and understand which replies let Black settle into a comfortable game.
Why the engine likes e4
The engine's best move here is e4, and it continues with e4 Nh4 d5 d3. That is the sharpest route in the position, and it shows that central play is more important than quiet development. For White, the lesson is simple: if Black gets an easy central setup, the position can become unpleasant quickly. In the drill, pay attention to whether you can meet that central push without giving Black the easier game.
What the database says about Black's choices
Across 324,870 games at this exact position, the results are close, but not in White’s favour: White wins 46.4%, draws 4.0%, and Black wins 49.6%. The most-played continuations are Nc6, e4, d6, Bc5, d5, and Nf6. That mix tells you this is a practical battleground rather than a fixed route, and you should be ready for several Black setups instead of memorising only one reply.
The mistakes to punish
There are three important note-worthy inaccuracies in this position. d6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns; the better move was e4. Bc5 is a mistake and loses about 1.7 pawns; again, e4 was better. d5 is also a mistake and loses about 1.5 pawns, with e4 as the stronger choice. If Black chooses one of these, the drill helps you recognise when the position is already favouring your opponent's central ideas and when you can try to keep the game under control.
Results across 324,870 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 128,752 | 44.3% |
| e4 | 87,466 | 43.7% |
| d6 | 42,578 | 49.5% |
| Bc5 | 14,026 | 52.5% |
| d5 | 13,042 | 51.6% |
| Nf6 | 12,731 | 50.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine good for White?
In this exact position, the engine gives -0.28, which is a small edge for Black. White is not winning the opening, so you need to play accurately and stay flexible. The position is playable, but it is not a place to expect a free advantage.
What is the main move to know here?
The engine's best move here is e4. It is the clearest central continuation in the position and leads to the line given in the facts. If you are studying this opening, this is the move you should understand first.
What should I expect Black to play most often?
The most-played continuations are Nc6, e4, d6, Bc5, d5, and Nf6. That means you should be ready for several practical choices rather than one fixed answer. The drill is useful because it trains you to react to those common setups.
Which replies are the biggest problems for Black?
d6 is listed as an inaccuracy, while Bc5 and d5 are listed as mistakes. In each case, the stronger move was e4. Those are the replies you should learn to recognise as less accurate in this position.
How many games feature the Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine?
Over 324K Lichess games have reached the Hungarian Opening: Reversed Alekhine position. White wins 46.4%, Black wins 49.6%, with 4.0% draws — based on real rated games.