Benoni Defense

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

Old Benoni Defense

The Benoni Defense is a group of chess openings generally characterized by the opening moves 1.d4 c5 2.d5 although Black's ...c5 and White's answer d5, is often delayed until move 2 or 3. The most usual opening sequence for the Benoni is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5. Black can then sacrifice a pawn by 3...b5 (leading to the Benko Gambit). If Black elects not to sacrifice then 3...d6, 3...e6 or 3...g6 are common moves, leading to the mainline Benonis.

There are many variations of the Benoni; the most common is the Modern Benoni, which may come after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 d6 5.e4 exd5 6.cxd5 g6 or 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6. The Modern Benoni is a risky attempt by Black to unbalance the position and gain active piece play at the cost of allowing White a pawn wedge at d5 and a central majority. White usually plays for a central break with e5, while Black tries to effect ...b5. Black will fianchetto his king's bishop to g7 and castle, playing for an attack on the queenside and the semi-open e-file. White will play for a central initiative. Compared to the usual lines of the King's Indian Defense, Black's fianchettoed bishop is a lot more active since it is not blocked by a black pawn on e5. However, not having the pawn on e5 makes White's center more fluid. The Modern Benoni is thus a very combative and double-edged opening, indeed, it is one of the most double-edged openings with 1.d4. Many White players who fear the sharp battles decide to avoid the Benoni all together; after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 they play 3.Nf3 leading to a quieter variation of the English Opening. Tal popularized the defense in the 1960s by winning several brilliant games with it, and Bobby Fischer occasionally adopted it, with good results, including a win in his 1972 world championship match against Boris Spassky. Often Black adopts a slightly different move order, playing 2...e6 before 3...c5. Many Black players do this in order to avoid the sharpest lines for White.. After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Bg7, White can play the sharp 8.Bb5+ Nfd7 (considered best); by playing 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5, Black avoids this line.

Modern Benoni, Taimanov Variation

"Opening Database"

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