Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.Nxd5

Before the first move

The Benoni Defense is a sharp, asymmetric opening where Black challenges White's central space immediately. In this specific variation, White recaptures with the knight on d5, leading to a dynamic piece-play battle rather than the typical locked pawn structures of the Modern Benoni.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4 to claim central space. This move opens lines for your queen and bishop while preventing Black from easily placing a pawn on e5.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular response. This move keeps the game fluid; Black could still transition into an Indian Defense, a Queen's Gambit, or even the Englund Gambit or English Defense if White chooses different paths.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. This reinforces your control over the d5 square and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn, a hallmark of queen's pawn openings.

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 counters with c5, the Benoni invitation. You'll have to decide whether to push forward, take the pawn, or defend it. Alternatives like the Queen's Indian with b6 or the Mexican Defense with Nc6 lead to very different games.

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

3. d5White · your move

Push your pawn to d5 to seize space. By bypassing the challenge on c5, you cramp Black's position and create a wedge that splits their forces.

Other paths here: Nf3 (English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Anti-Benoni Variation) · e3 (Benoni: 2...c5 3.e3) · dxc5 (Benoni: 3.dxc5)

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, the most direct way to contest the center. Other options include the Czech Benoni with e5, which keeps the center closed, or the Hromádka System with d6, preparing a slower kingside expansion.

Other paths here: e5 (Benoni Defense: Czech Benoni Defense) · d6 (Benoni Defense: Hromádka System) · a6 (Benoni: 3.d5 a6) · g6 (Benoni: 3.d5 g6)

4. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3 to add pressure to the d5 square. This move supports your central pawn and prepares for further development while keeping an eye on the e4 square.

Other paths here: g3 (Benoni: 4.g3) · Nf3 (Benoni: 4.Nf3)

4... exd5Black

Black captures on d5, forcing the issue. While Black often waits and plays d6 first, this immediate capture simplifies the center and dictates the pace of the next few moves.

5. Nxd5White · your move

Capture back with your knight on d5. By using the knight instead of the pawn, you keep the center open and place a powerful, centralized piece that Black will find difficult to dislodge.

Other paths here: cxd5 (Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of life. White has a powerful centralized knight on d5, while Black will look to challenge it with d6 and g6, preparing a kingside fianchetto. Both sides must prioritize rapid development and king safety before the central skirmishes escalate into a full-scale tactical middlegame.

• d5-f6 Trade the active knight for Black's defender
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to pressure the long diagonal
• e2-e4 Establish a full pawn center with e4
• d7-d6 Solidify the center and open the light-squared bishop