Benoni Defense
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5
A defense for Black
A pawn sacrifice for dynamic counterplay and an open g-file.
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0 / 5 moves
The idea
Black plays ...c5 and after White pushes d5, accepts a space disadvantage to get counterplay. Black's plan is to attack White's d5 pawn and the queenside with pieces and pawns.
The plan
Fianchetto the bishop to g7, castle short, and attack the d5 pawn with ...Re8, ...e6, and knight manoeuvres. The g-file becomes a key attacking avenue.
What to play next
After trading on d5, the pawn structure is set. Black plays ...d6 to support the e5 point and then fianchettoes with ...g6 and ...Bg7. White builds the centre with e4 and Be2. Black castles short and plans to use the f-file with ...f5 or attack d5 with ...Nbd7 and ...Ne5.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 g6 7.e4 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 16 moves
One tip for beginners
The Benoni gives you dynamic, attacking positions. Learn the move ...e6 to challenge d5 and ...Re8 to support the e-pawn as your first counterplay ideas.
What to watch out for
White has a large space advantage and can attack on both flanks. Don't get passive - keep counterattacking with ...b5 and ...a6 on the queenside.
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