Intro to the Anti-Benoni

Here is a look at the main line of the Symmetrical English: Anti-Benoni! This variation comes from the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. Nf3!? and I will provide not only the main moves that are seen in this line but also the ideas and plans that justify them.

This line is a way for white to avoid the Benko Gambit by transposing into a line from the Symmetrical English, so if you are a Benoni or Benko Gambit player knowing this line is a must because you will see it. I see it often myself.

Instead of white pushing d5 and gaining space which is probably the best move, white chooses to defend their d pawn with a knight. This allows the move cxd4 which gives black a 2 v 1 majority in the center and allows the forcing move e5 immediately kicking the misplaced knight. The knight can go many places from here, but most played is the early Nb5!? leading to an interesting game.

I do believe the best way to play this is to push d5 early as black, after which black just needs to complete development and should be okay, but watch out for a critical tactic white has! It's possible to lose immediately in the opening if you don't watch your step!

Don't forget this critical moment!  

White to move and win!

My Benko Gambit Series:
#1 The f3 Benko Gambit (Half Accepted) 
#2 The e3 Benko Gambit (Half Accepted) 
#3 The Benko Gambit Main Line 
#4 The Benko Gambit Pawn Return 
#5 The Anti-Benoni (Symmetrical English Transposition) **this video

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