ECO A57 · for Black
Benko Gambit
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
589,636 games in this band reached the Benko Gambit position. From there Black won 52% and drew 4%.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... Nf6
Preventing e4 while developing a piece.
2. c4
Controlling some central squares using a flank pawn before playing Nc3
2... c5
Challenging white's center immediately, potentially leading to the Benoni Defense if d5 is played by white. This move can also lead to a symmetrical position if white responds with d5.
Moves 3 to 4
3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6
3. d5
Advancing the pawn to gain space while avoiding cxd4 which would be fairly equal.
3... b5
Immediately challenging white's center by sacrificing a pawn for active piece play.
4. cxb5
Capturing the sacrificed b5 pawn and attempting to use the material advantage to win.
- 4. b3: Declining the gambit and protecting the hanging c4 pawn.
4... a6
Offering another pawn for a development advantage and open queenside files to pressure white's queenside.
Moves 5 to 6
5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6
5. bxa6
Capturing the second pawn offered, allowing black to utilize a development edge and the open queenside files to pressure white for most of the game.
- 5. e3: Advancing the pawn to gain a little space in the center while also supporting the hanging b5 pawn.
5... Bxa6
Developing the bishop and capturing the pawn. Black has sacrificed a pawn in order for a development advantage and long term pressure on White's queenside.
- 5... g6: Planning to develop the dark-squared bishop along the long diagonal. Black will recapture on a6 later.
6. Nc3
Developing the knight and protecting the d5 pawn. White will attempt to develop and maintain the advantage on the queenside.
6... d6
Moves 7 to 9
7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3
7. e4
7... Bxf1
8. Kxf1
8... g6
9. g3
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The dark-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on g7
- Black generally castles kingside
- The queenside knight usually develops to d7
- The kingside rook often develops to b8
- The queen can develop to b6 or a5
- The knight on f6 often moves to e8
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black