ECO A60 · for Black
Modern Benoni
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.
457,860 games in this band reached the Modern Benoni position. From there Black won 47% and drew 3%.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. Nf3 Bg7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. O-O Re8
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 e6 4. Nc3 exd5
3. d5
Advancing the pawn to gain space while avoiding cxd4 which would be fairly equal.
3... e6
Challenging White's center and fighting against White's d5 pawn.
4. Nc3
Developing the knight and protecting the d5 pawn. White often aims to gain more control of the center with e4.
4... exd5
Exchanging pawns in the center. Black will aim to fight against White's space advantage.
Moves 5 to 6
5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6
5. cxd5
Recapturing the pawn and planning to continue with e4 to gain more space in the center.
5... d6
Fighting for the dark square in the center and preparing to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop.
6. e4
Gaining space in the center and supporting the d5 pawn. White has a large and strong center.
- 6. Nf3: Developing the knight to f3 and fighting for control of the center.
6... g6
Opting to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to control the center and pressure White’s queenside.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Nf3 Bg7 8. Bd3 O-O
7. Nf3
Developing the knight and opting for a safer line in the Benoni.
- 7. Bd3: Developing the bishop and strengthening the center.
- 7. f4: Gaining space in the center and playing the most attacking line of the Benoni.
7... Bg7
8. Bd3
8... O-O
Move 9
9. O-O Re8
9. O-O
9... Re8
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 queenside knight often goes to e5, via d7
- The knight on f6 often moves to h5
- The queenside knight typically develops to a6
- The queenside rook generally develops to b8
- Common pawn moves are c4 and a6
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