Opening course · A57 to A59
Learn the Benko Gambit
The Benko Gambit starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6. A pawn for two open files and pressure on the queenside that lasts deep into the endgame.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1200 to 2600
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 15 steps
- 3 Key variations 4 steps
- 4 Traps 2 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 9 steps
Key ideas
- …b5 and …a6 open two files.
- Bishops on a6 and g7.
- Queen to a5, rooks to a8, b8.
Traps you will see
- The pinned knight Set by Black
- Greedy on d5 Set by White
Model games
- Loek van Wely Magnus Carlsen Wijk aan Zee · 2008
- Evgeny Bareev Garry Kasparov Linares · 1994
Questions
Is the Benko Gambit good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1200 to 2600. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Benko Gambit?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 37 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- The pinned knight
- Greedy on d5