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.
Benko Gambit
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5
FEN: rnbqkb1r/p2ppppp/5n2/1ppP4/2P5/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 4
The Benko Gambit is a dynamic and aggressive gambit played by Black, offering a pawn on the queenside (b5) to gain long-term positional pressure. The characteristic feature of this opening is Black’s willingness to sacrifice material early to obtain active piece play and strong pressure along the a- and b-files, especially targeting White’s queenside structure.
From Black’s perspective, the Benko Gambit is an attacking opening, focusing on counterplay rather than solid defense. Black aims to undermine White’s center indirectly by creating threats on the flank and open lines for the rooks and bishops.
White, on the other hand, generally tries to hold onto the extra pawn and maintain central space, often playing in a more positional and defensive manner initially, but with chances to exploit the extra material later.
Regarding the center, the Benko Gambit does not directly attack the center with immediate pawn breaks. Instead, Black accepts a spatial disadvantage in the center and focuses on queenside pressure, relying on piece activity and open lines rather than direct central confrontation.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Benko Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 37 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Benko Gambit to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.