Benoni Defense
Benoni may sound like the name of some kind of Italian food. However, it's actually a fighting chess opening for Black. Even super grandmasters like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Fabiano Caruana played this opening, so you might as well know what it's all about!
Here is what you need to know about the Benoni:
- What Is The Benoni Defense?
- The Modern Benoni
- What Are Black's Typical Plans In The Benoni?
- Show Off Your Benoni Skills
- Wrapping Up
- Benoni Defense Video
What Is The Benoni Defense?
The Benoni Defense is a chess opening for Black. The most common move order to reach the Benoni is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5.
There are many different types of Benoni, such as the Old Benoni, the Czech Benoni, and even the Snake Benoni! We'll take a look at one of the most played variations of this opening: the Modern Benoni.
The Modern Benoni
Players enter the Modern Benoni after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6.
After reaching the position above, the theory continues with 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6. White can play e4 and get a big center, but Black can play g6 and put their bishop on g7
People even call that bishop the Benoni Bishop because it gets very powerful when it's there. Look at that long diagonal that the black bishop attacks. Now that's a strong bishop!
What Are Black's Typical Plans In The Modern Benoni?
After both players complete their development on the kingside and castle, there are two popular plans for Black. One of them is to put the f8-rook on e8 to target White's center.
The other one is to play a6 and then b5 to expand on the queenside.
Black can even combine those two plans to attack the center and gain space on the queenside at the same time if White allows it.
Wrapping Up
You now know what the Benoni is, how you can play it, and Black's main plans for this opening's Modern variation. Go to our Lessons page to learn other essential concepts that will turn you into a chess champion!