ECO code: A44
Old Benoni: Czech Variation (3.c4 d6 4.e4 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7)
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 c5 2. d5 e5 3. c4 d6 4. e4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7. The Old Benoni is a dynamic and somewhat asymmetrical defense where Black challenges White's central control indirectly.
Characteristic of the Move: Black’s ...g6 and ...Bg7 setup aims to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop, exerting long-range pressure on the central and queenside dark squares. The pawn structure with ...c5 and ...d6 creates a solid but flexible base for counterplay.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this setup is both defensive and counter-attacking. Black solidifies the center with ...d6 and prepares to challenge White’s space advantage by targeting the center and queenside later. White, meanwhile, has a strong central presence with pawns on d5, c4, and e4, allowing for an attacking stance in the center and kingside.
Center Control: This opening focuses heavily on center control. White occupies the center with pawns on d5 and e4, while Black contests the center more indirectly with pressure from the fianchettoed bishop and pawn breaks like ...f5 or ...b5 in some lines. The battle for central dominance is a key theme in this variation.
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 Old Benoni: Czech, 3.c4 d6 4.e4 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #40 white