Benoni Defense Classical Variation New York Variation
How to Play the Benoni Defense Opening, Classic Variation, New York Variation
1. d4 Nf6: White advances the king’s pawn two squares, aiming to control the center and open lines for their pieces. Black responds by developing the knight to f6 to pressure the pawn on d4 and prepare their own central expansion.
2. c4 e6: White extends their influence in the center with the queen’s pawn, while black responds with e6, aiming to strengthen their center and prepare the d5 advance.
3. Nf3 c5: White develops the knight to f3 to support the d4 pawn and prepare for castling. Black counterattacks in the center with c5, challenging white’s pawn structure and aiming to activate their dark-squared bishop.
4. d5: White advances the pawn, closing the center and looking to gain space on the queen’s side. This move leads to a typical Benoni Defense pawn structure.
exd5 5. cxd5: Black captures the pawn on d5, and white recaptures with the c pawn, maintaining central tension and opening the c-file for their rook.
6. d6: Black advances the pawn to d6, aiming to solidify their center and prepare the development of their dark-squared bishop.
7. Nc3 g6: White develops another knight, targeting the center and the d5 square. Black responds with g6, planning to fianchetto their bishop and control the long central squares.
