How to Play the Benoni Defense – Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit Tamarkin Countergambit
- 1. d4 c5: White starts with the queen’s pawn advancing two squares, aiming to control the center and prepare the development of their pieces. Black responds with c5, immediately challenging the center and entering the lines of the Benoni Defense, seeking counterplay from the beginning.
- 2. Nf3 cxd4: White develops the knight to f3, supporting the queen’s pawn and preparing to recapture on d4. Black takes the pawn on d4, initiating material exchanges and opening lines for their pieces.
- 3. b4 e5: White plays b4, an aggressive move aiming to gain space on the queen’s side and prepare the advance of the pawn to b5 to increase pressure. Black responds with e5, a strong central push aiming for dynamism and activation of their pieces, especially the f8 bishop and g8 knight.
Variations of the Benoni Defense – Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit Tamarkin Countergambit
Variation 1: 3…d5
In this variation, Black decides not to advance the e5 pawn and instead plays d5, aiming to control the center and open lines for their light-squared bishop. This move leads to a struggle for central control and prepares the ground for a possible pawn advance on the king’s side.
Variation 2: 3…a6
Black plays a6, preparing b5 to counter White’s b4-b5 advance and aiming to expand on the queen’s side. This maneuver is slower and more strategic, focusing on gaining space and preparing counterplay on the queen’s side.