Balogh Defense

Balogh Defense
abcdefgh
8
a8 black rook
b8 black knight
c8 black bishop
d8 black queen
e8 black king
f8 black bishop
g8 black knight
h8 black rook
a7 black pawn
b7 black pawn
c7 black pawn
e7 black pawn
g7 black pawn
h7 black pawn
d6 black pawn
f5 black pawn
d4 white pawn
e4 white pawn
a2 white pawn
b2 white pawn
c2 white pawn
f2 white pawn
g2 white pawn
h2 white pawn
a1 white rook
b1 white knight
c1 white bishop
d1 white queen
e1 white king
f1 white bishop
g1 white knight
h1 white rook
8
77
66
55
44
33
22
11
abcdefgh
Moves1.e4 d6 2.d4 f5
ECOA82
Named afterJános Balogh
ParentStaunton Gambit
Synonym(s)Balogh Counter Gambit

The Balogh Defense (also known as the Balogh Counter Gambit) is an unusual chess opening beginning with the moves:

1. e4 d6
2. d4 f5

It may also arise by transposition from the Staunton Gambit against the Dutch Defense, 1.d4 f5 2.e4!?, if Black declines the gambit with 2...d6.

The defense is named for János Balogh (1892–1980), who was a Hungarian International Master of correspondence chess, and a strong master at over-the-board chess. The opening is rarely seen today because it weakens Black's kingside somewhat and often results in a backward e-pawn and/or a hole on e6 after Black's light-square bishop is exchanged. International Correspondence Chess Master Keith Hayward has recently written a series of articles arguing that the defense, though risky, is playable.[1]

  1. ^ Hayward, Keith R. Balogh Counter Gambit, Part 1 Archived 2021-01-25 at the Wayback Machine from Chessville.com