How to Play the Benoni Defense – Cormorant Gambit
- 1. d4 c5: White opens with the king’s pawn, moving it two squares forward, initiating central control, and preparing the development of their minor pieces. Black responds immediately with an attack on the center, proposing a symmetric and challenging game.
- 2. dxc5 b6: White captures the pawn on c5, accepting the gambit proposed by Black. This move aims to gain an early material advantage. Black responds by moving their pawn from b to b6, preparing to recapture the lost pawn on c5 and start developing their fianchettoed bishop on the dark squares.
Variants of the Benoni Defense – Cormorant Gambit
Immediate Pawn Recovery
A common variant after 2…b6 is for Black to seek to recover the pawn on c5 as soon as possible, either directly with 3…Qa5 or by preparing …Ba6 to increase pressure on the captured pawn. This strategy focuses on reclaiming material equality while maintaining tension in the center.
Fianchetto Development without Rushing Pawn Recovery
Another approach for Black after 2…b6 is to delay pawn recovery and instead focus on rapid development, especially through fianchettoing the bishop on dark squares with g6 and Bg7. This line bets on the long-term, preparing strong central control and dynamic presence on the board.
The Benoni Defense: Cormorant Gambit
The Benoni Defense, specifically the Cormorant Gambit, is characterized by dynamic play and bold strategies right from the start. The move sequence 1.d4 c5 2.dxc5 b6