The Benko Gambit is a famous chess opening that is often recognized as an aggressive and effective opening. It gained popularity in Hungary and was named after Pal Benko. It's a gambit, meaning that a piece would be sacrificed in order for a positional advantage in the opening. The Benko gambit involves black sacrificing their b-pawn for a great position and development. Why is the Benko Gambit so great to play? It's creative and creates an imbalance in the white position which makes unpredictable outcomes. This isn't another drawish or boring opening, it places creativity and puts energy into the game.
Starting position
This game starts with a queen's pawn followed by the Indian game. White makes this game into an Indian game: Normal variation. Then, black plays c5, a part of the Benoni defense. White moves the d-pawn up and black gambits the b-pawn. Let's examine the several popular variations this opening can expand into.
Benko Gambit Accepted: Fully Accepted variation
This is the most common variation according to the master games in the explorer. The last move inputted into the example shown above is not limited to pawn g6. These moves include e6, regaining the pawn, or other moves. In this position, we can see several ideas of applying immense pressure on white's queenside. These ideas include bishop g7, controlling the b-file, controlling the a-file, recapturing the a-6 pawn, going d6 to create a powerful pawn structure, going to e6, and others.
Benko Gambit Half-Accepted: Pawn Return Variation
This is the second most common variation upon capturing the b-pawn according to the master games in the explorer. Recapturing the pawn with the queen is a valid option and seems very natural in dealing with this situation because it controls the b-file. However, some great alternatives include e6, d6, g6, and many others.
Benko Gambit Declined: Main Line
This is the second most common variation according to the master games in the explorer. I would recommend the moves bishop b7 or queen a5 check. Both moves apply pressure and slightly force the opponent to defend. However, transforming the game into a Blumenfeld countergambit is also a great choice. (Mini extension of the Blumenfeld countergambit: If the opponent decides to take the e6 pawn, take back with the f-pawn and possibly plan on bringing the bishop to e7, bringing the other bishop to b7, or going d5 in the future. If the opponent decides to take the b5 pawn, take the d5 pawn and possibly plan on bringing the bishop to b7).
Benko Gambit Declined: Quiet Line
Taking the c-pawn, going d6, or e6 are all amazing choices in response to this variation. Plan on bringing the bishop to b7 or going to e6 in the future.
Benko Gambit, Queen c2
I would recommend the move e6 to bring out the bishop in the future. This move is the fifth most popular move according to the master games in the explorer but is very powerful and effective. Other alternatives include taking the c4 pawn, g6, knight a6, d6, and many others.
Other Variations
Benko Gambit Declined: Sosonko variation - The opponent goes a4 after you go b5. Simply take the c4 pawn or push the pawn to b4 works. Plan on possibly going to bishop a6, d6, or e6 in the future.
Benko Gambit Half-Accepted: Modern Variation - The opponent goes e3 after you go a6. Although the most popular move for you is g6, I would highly recommend the fourth most popular move, e6. Plan on possibly going bishop e7, casting, or d5 in the future.
Benko Gambit Declined: Bishop Attack - The opponent goes bishop g5 after you go b5. Simply go knight e4 to kick out the bishop. Plan on possibly infiltrating the white king's side and possibly taking the bishop in the future.
Benko Gambit Half-Accepted: Dlugy Variation - The opponent goes f3 after you go a6. I would recommend the second most popular move, e6. Plan on possibly capturing d5, or capturing b5 in the future.
Benko Gambit Declined: Hjoerring Countergambit - The opponent goes e4 after you go b5. Take the pawn on e4 with your knight and possibly take the c4 pawn. Plan on possibly going to bishop b7 in the future.
Benko Gambit Half-Accepted: Zaitsev System - The opponent goes knight c3 after you go a6. Take the pawn on b5. Plan on possibly going e6, pushing the b4 pawn if possible, or bishop b7 in the future.
Benko Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Sämisch Variation - The opponent goes f3 after you go b5. Take the c4 pawn. I would recommend the fourth most popular move, e6. Alternative moves include queen a5 or taking the c4 pawn. Plan on possibly going to bishop a6.
Conclusion
Although I did not go over all of the possible moves and variations, I tried to cover the more common moves/variations. The Benko Gambit is a dynamic and amazing opening to play. Many players like Magnus Carlsen, Viktor Korchnov, Daniil Dubov, and many more have played Benko Gambit. Of course, my recommendations only cover a few moves, and there could always be alternatives that work well. I hope this blog helped you!
