How to Play the Benoni Defense, Falcon Variation
- 1. d4 Nf6: White opens with the queen’s pawn, a classical move that controls the center and prepares for the development of their bishop and queen. Black responds by developing the knight to f6, putting pressure on the d4 pawn and preparing central play.
- 2. Nf3 c5: White develops their knight to f3 to protect the d4 pawn and control the center. Black immediately counters in the center with c5, challenging the white queen’s pawn and aiming to break the central pawn structure of white.
- 3. d5 c4: White advances their queen’s pawn to d5, gaining space in the center and aiming to restrict the movement of black pieces, especially the knight on f6. Black responds with c4, an aggressive move seeking to undermine white’s central control and create a passed pawn on the queen’s side.
Variations of the Benoni Defense, Falcon Variation
1. Classical Variation
In the classical variation, black may choose to develop their pieces more traditionally without playing c4 immediately. This includes moves like e6, preparing d5 to counterattack in the center.
2. Modern Variation
The modern variation sees black play g6, preparing to fianchetto their bishop on g7. This offers stronger central control and a more flexible pawn structure.