ECO code: A56
Opening Name: Benoni Defense: 3.d5 d6 4.Nc3 g6 5.e4 Bg7
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 d6 4. Nc3 g6 5. e4 Bg7
Description: This variation of the Benoni Defense features Black fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop with ...g6 and ...Bg7, aiming to exert long-term pressure on White's central and queenside pawns. White establishes a strong pawn center with e4 and d5, gaining spatial advantage. Black’s setup is flexible, preparing to counterattack the center and challenge White’s space advantage.
Characteristic of the Move 5...Bg7: The move ...Bg7 is a hallmark of the Modern Benoni, placing the bishop on the long diagonal to pressure White’s central pawn on d5 and support potential ...b5 pawn breaks. It emphasizes dynamic counterplay rather than immediate confrontation.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening is primarily attacking, focusing on central space control and piece activity. Black’s setup is more counterattacking/defensive, preparing to undermine White’s center later in the game.
Center Control: White occupies and attacks the center aggressively with pawns on d5 and e4, while Black aims to challenge and destabilize this center through piece pressure and pawn breaks like ...b5. Thus, the opening revolves heavily around central control and contest.
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: 3.d5 d6 4.Nc3 g6 5.e4 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #41 black