How to Play the Benoni Defense, Czech Variation
- 1. d4 Nf6: White opens with the queen’s pawn, aiming to control the center and free up the light-squared bishop. Black responds by developing the knight to f6, putting pressure on the d4 pawn and preparing to contest the center.
- 2. c4 c5: With this move, White expands their control in the center, paving the way for potential pawn advances. Black immediately counterattacks in the center with c5, aiming to challenge White’s pawn structure and create room for their own development.
- 3. d5 e5: White advances their queen’s pawn, closing the center and looking to gain space on the kingside. Black responds with e5, seeking to break open White’s central structure and activate their pieces, especially the dark-squared bishop and the knight on f6.
Variations of the Benoni Defense, Czech Variation
e4 Pawn Advance
A common variation after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 is for White to play e4 instead of advancing the d5 pawn immediately. This move aims to establish a strong pawn center and limit Black’s options to challenge it. Black can respond with d6, preparing to play e5 to challenge White’s center.
Black’s b5 Attack