Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. c4/2...c5

      Benoni Defence
      a b c d e f g h
      8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
      7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
      6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
      5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
      4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
      3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
      2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
      1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
      a b c d e f g h
      Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation(FEN)

      rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR

      Parent: Indian Defence

      Benoni Defence

      Black threatens to exchange the c pawn against a central pawn. The objectively best solution for White is to advance the pawn and play 3. d5, gaining space in the center. To avoid this, White may play 3. Nf3, protecting the pawn. This move allows Black to exchange the pawns or to increase pressure by playing 3...e6. Additionally, 3.Nf3 may transpose to a Maroczy Bind Sicilian. The last option is 3. e3 but this leads to a blocked game for white (both bishops are blocked by pawns and Black will get a lead in development). Notice that if white takes with 3. dxc5 Black will not lose material. With the moves 3...Na6 or 3...e6, Black will equalize easily.

      Theory table

      For explanation of theory tables see theory table and for notation see algebraic notation.

      1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5

      3 4 5 6
      Modern Benoni d5
      e6
      Nc3
      exd5
      cxd5
      d6
      e4
      g6
      +/=
      Benko Gambit ...
      b5
      cxb5
      a6
      bxa6
      Bxa6
      English/Anti-Benoni Variation Nf3
      cxd4
      Nxd4
      e6
      Nc3
      Bb4
      g3
      O-O
      =
      Panov-Botvinnik Attack e3
      g6
      Nf3
      cxd4
      exd4
      Nf6
      Nc3
      d5
      =

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      Last modified on 16 January 2013, at 14:29