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

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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)
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5
Parent: Indian Defence

Benoni Defence[edit | edit source]

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, however it allows black to gain dangerous pressure pressure by 3...e6. 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[edit | edit source]

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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References[edit | edit source]

de Firmian, Nick. Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition. New York, NY: Random House, 2008.