ECO code: A56
Opening Name: Benoni Defense: 3.d5 g6
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 g6
Description: The move 3...g6 in the Benoni Defense signals Black’s intention to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to g7. This setup helps Black exert long-term pressure on the central and queenside squares, particularly targeting the d5 pawn and the light squares around White’s center.
Characteristic of the move: Playing ...g6 is characteristic of the Modern Benoni, where Black accepts a spatial concession in the center but seeks dynamic counterplay by attacking White’s advanced d5 pawn and controlling key diagonals with the bishop on g7.
Attacking or Defensive? As Black, this move is part of an attacking strategy aimed at undermining White’s strong center and generating counterplay on the queenside and center. For White, the position often calls for maintaining and expanding central control while preparing to meet Black’s counterattacks.
Center Control: This opening is very much about contesting the center. White initially occupies the center with pawns on d4 and d5, while Black challenges that center indirectly through piece pressure and pawn breaks rather than direct occupation.
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 g6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #49 black