Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation

The Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation is an aggressive chess opening where Black sacrifices a pawn early on to gain active piece development and counterplay.

The Budapest Defense is a chess opening that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5. In the Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation, Black plays 2...Ne4, aiming to disrupt White's plans and create imbalances on the board. After 3.Qc2, Black continues with 3...d5, attacking the e5 pawn and preparing to regain it.

By sacrificing the e5 pawn, Black aims to gain piece activity and counterplay. After 4.cxd5, Black plays 4...Bf5, pinning the knight on c3 and putting pressure on White's position. White has several options at this point, but the most common move is 5.g4, aiming to drive away the bishop and maintain the extra pawn.

Black can choose to accept the pawn with 5...Bxg4, or retreat the bishop to g6 or e6. If Black captures the pawn, White can play 6.f3, attacking the bishop and forcing it to move again. Black typically plays 6...e6, attacking the knight on e4 and preparing to develop the light-squared bishop.

The resulting position is highly tactical and dynamic, with both sides having chances for active play. Black's pawn sacrifice allows for quick development and the potential to launch counterattacks against White's position. White, on the other hand, aims to consolidate their extra pawn and maintain a solid position.

The Fajarowicz-Steiner Variation of the Budapest Defense is an exciting and aggressive opening choice for Black, offering rich tactical possibilities and the chance to unbalance the game from an early stage.