Benoni: Classical, 8.Bg5

Before the first move

The Modern Benoni is a sharp, unbalanced opening where Black concedes a space advantage in the center to create dynamic counterplay. White aims to use their central majority and space to squeeze Black, while Black relies on the powerful dark-squared bishop and queenside pawn majority to generate winning chances.

1. d4White · your move

Push your queen's pawn to d4. This move claims central space, controls the e5-square, and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many solid and aggressive setups.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular and flexible response to d4. By developing the knight, Black prepares to fight for the center while avoiding early commitments. Other options like e6 or d5 are common, though sharper tries like the Englund Gambit with e5 also exist.

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 move increases your control over the d5-square and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It is a classic way to build a powerful central presence.

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 chooses the sharp c5, immediately striking at the heart of White’s position. This leads into the Benoni complex. Black could have opted for the solid e6 or the Queen's Indian with b6, but c5 is the most combative choice.

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. By bypassing the challenge, you gain a significant space advantage and create a wedge in Black's camp. This move is the defining characteristic of the Benoni, forcing Black to find creative ways to develop.

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 standard way to chip away at the d5-pawn. Black could also try the Czech Benoni with e5 or the Hromádka System with d6, but e6 leads to the most dynamic and modern variations.

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. This move reinforces the d5-pawn and prepares for further central expansion. It is a natural developing move that puts pressure on the center and prepares for e4.

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

4... exd5Black

Black captures on d5, clarifying the pawn structure. This is the main line of the Modern Benoni. Delaying this capture with d6 is possible, but eventually, Black must resolve the central tension to free their pieces.

5. cxd5White · your move

Recapture with the c-pawn. This maintains your strong central pawn on d5 and creates a queenside pawn majority for Black to eventually challenge. Your central control remains the dominant feature of the position.

Other paths here: Nxd5 (Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.Nxd5)

5... d6Black

Black plays d6, a necessary move to restrain the d5-pawn and prepare development. The eccentric Snake Variation with Bd6 is a rare alternative, but d6 is the solid foundation for Black's entire setup.

Other paths here: Bd6 (Benoni Defense: Modern Variation, Snake Variation) · g6 (Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 g6)

6. e4White · your move

Claim the full center by pushing e4. This move creates a powerful pawn duo and prepares to develop your kingside pieces. You now have a significant space advantage and clear lines for your bishops.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3)

6... g6Black

Black plays g6, preparing the fianchetto. This is the soul of the Benoni. While Be7 is a possible alternative, it is much less active and allows White an easier time controlling the game.

Other paths here: Be7 (Benoni: 6.e4 Be7)

7. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move controls the center, prepares for castling, and supports the e4-pawn. You are completing your kingside development before deciding on the best square for your dark-squared bishop.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Benoni: 6.e4 g6 7.Bd3) · Bf4 (Benoni: 6.e4 g6 7.Bf4) · h3 (Benoni: 6.e4 g6 7.h3) · f3 (Benoni: Saemisch (6.e4 g6 7.f3))

7... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7. The bishop is now perfectly placed to influence the center. Black could have played a6 first to prepare queenside expansion, but developing the bishop is the highest priority.

Other paths here: a6 (Benoni: Classical, 7...a6)

8. Bg5White · your move

Develop your bishop to g5, pinning the knight on f6. This provocative move forces Black to address the pin and can lead to weaknesses in their kingside if they try to kick the bishop away too aggressively.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Benoni: Classical, 8.Bd3) · Be2 (Benoni: Classical, 8.Be2) · Bf4 (Benoni: Classical, 8.Bf4) · Qa4+ (Benoni: Classical, 8.Qa4+)

Where you stand

The position is a classic Benoni battleground. White has a massive space advantage and a clear plan to expand in the center, while Black focuses on queenside pressure and the power of the g7-bishop. Both sides must play accurately; White must prevent Black's b5 break, while Black must find a way to neutralize the pressure on the f6-knight.

• f3-d2 Maneuver knight to d2 to support e4
• g7-a1 Exert long-range pressure on the diagonal
• a7-a6 Prepare b5 to start queenside expansion
• f1-e2 Develop bishop and prepare to castle