ECO code: A43
Benoni Defense: French Benoni
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 c5 3. d5
FEN: rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2pP4/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - 0 3
This variation arises when Black challenges White's center early with ...c5 after the French Defense move ...e6. The characteristic feature of the French Benoni is Black's immediate counterattack on White's d4 pawn, aiming to undermine White’s strong pawn center.
From White's perspective, the move 3.d5 is an aggressive thrust that grabs space and gains a central wedge, effectively pushing Black's pieces back. White adopts an attacking stance, seeking to maintain a spatial advantage and restrict Black’s counterplay.
Black’s approach is somewhat counterattacking and strategic, trying to challenge White’s center indirectly rather than occupying it outright. While Black does not immediately occupy the center, the plan is to put pressure on White’s advanced d5 pawn and create counterplay on the queenside.
Summary:
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Benoni Defense: French Benoni, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 24 - Move #5 black