How to Play the Benoni Defense Fianchetto Variation Hastings Defense
1. d4 Nf6: White opens with the queen’s pawn, aiming to control the center. Black responds by developing the knight to f6, exerting pressure on the center and preparing for possible pawn advances.
2. c4 e6: White advances the c pawn to c4, solidifying central control and preparing to support the d4-d5 advance. Black responds with e6, intending to develop their bishop on the dark squares and maintain flexibility in the center.
3. g3 c5: White prepares to fianchetto their bishop on the light squares to increase its presence on the long diagonal. Black counters in the center with c5, challenging the white queen’s pawn and aiming to free up space for their pieces.
4. d5 exd5: White advances their pawn to d5, gaining space and aiming to close the center. Black captures on d5, opening lines and preparing to recapture with the c pawn.
5. cxd5 d6: White recaptures on d5, maintaining their spatial advantage in the center. Black plays d6, supporting the pawn on c5 and preparing to develop the bishop on the dark squares.
6. Nc3 g6: White develops their knight to c3, supporting the pawn on d5 and further controlling the center. Black responds with g6, planning to fianchetto their bishop on the dark squares and strengthening control over the light squares.
7. Bg2 Bg7: White fianchettoes their bishop on the light squares, placing it on a powerful diagonal. Black fianchettoes in turn, putting their bishop on g7 to control the long diagonal and prepare for castling.
