Benoni: 3.dxc5

Before the first move

The Benoni Defense is a sharp, asymmetric response to the Queen's Pawn Opening. While Black usually aims to provoke a closed center with d5, White can choose to capture on c5 immediately, creating an open, tactical battle where both sides fight for control over the central squares and pawn structure.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move instantly claims space in the center and opens pathways for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many solid and aggressive systems, forcing Black to decide how they will contest the middle of the board.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the quintessential Indian Defense move. By developing the knight, Black prepares to challenge the center while keeping White guessing. Alternatives like the Englund Gambit with e5 or the Horwitz Defense with e6 offer different flavors, but Nf6 remains the most respected and versatile choice.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. This is the standard follow-up to d4, preparing to build a powerful pawn center and exerting pressure on the d5-square. It also clears the way for your queen's knight to develop behind the pawn chain to c3.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... c5Black

Black strikes back with c5, the signature move of the Benoni Defense. This creates immediate tension in the center. Black could have also chosen the Queen's Indian with b6 or the Mexican Defense with Nc6, but c5 is the most combative way to disrupt White's spatial advantage.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. dxc5White · your move

Capture the pawn on c5. By taking, you temporarily win a pawn and disrupt Black's typical Benoni setup. While this opens the center early, you must be prepared to defend your extra pawn or use the time Black spends recovering it to develop your pieces rapidly.

Other paths here: Nf3 (English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation) · e3 (Benoni: 2...c5 3.e3) · d5 (Benoni: 3.d5)

Where you stand

The position is now highly open and tactical. Black will typically look to recover the pawn on c5 immediately with e6 and Bxc5, while White aims to develop pieces like Nf3 and Nc3 to maintain pressure. Both sides must be careful, as the lack of a locked center means every tempo and piece placement carries significant weight.

• f1-c4 Develop the bishop to support the center
• e7-e6 Challenge the c5 pawn and open the bishop
• g1-f3 Control the center and prepare for castling
• f8-c5 Recapture the pawn and develop the bishop