ECO code: A15
Benko Opening (Moves: 1. g3 d5 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4)
This opening is a flexible and hypermodern system where White fianchettoes the kingside bishop with 1.g3, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal. The moves 2.Nf3 and 3.c4 put pressure on Black’s central pawn on d5 without immediately occupying the center with pawns.
Characteristic: The key feature of this line is White's delayed and indirect challenge to the center, relying on piece pressure rather than immediate central pawn occupation. The early c4 challenges Black’s d5 pawn, signaling an intention to contest central space dynamically.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this is a balanced approach that can lead to both attacking and positional play, depending on how the game unfolds. White aims to undermine Black’s center and develop smoothly. Black’s setup with ...g6 is also flexible, often leading to a fianchettoed bishop and a solid, sometimes counterattacking, stance.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but exerts pressure on it through pieces and the c4 pawn. This hypermodern approach aims to control and undermine the center rather than claiming it outright at the start.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.