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.
Opening Name: Benko Gambit Accepted: Fully Accepted Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
Description: In the Fully Accepted Variation of the Benko Gambit, Black offers a pawn sacrifice with 3...b5 to undermine White's control of the queenside and open lines for active piece play. White accepts the gambit pawn by capturing on b5 and then on a6, grabbing material but allowing Black dynamic counterplay along the a- and b-files. This variation is marked by Black's long-term positional pressure and active piece activity rather than immediate tactical strikes.
Characteristic of this move: By capturing on a6, White secures an extra pawn but also gives Black open lines on the queenside to generate counterplay. This is the essence of the "Fully Accepted" approach—White holds material advantage while Black gains strong positional compensation.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this opening is attacking, aiming for active piece pressure and control of key open files on the queenside. For White, the approach is more defensive in nature, focusing on consolidating the extra pawn while neutralizing Black’s initiative.
Center Control: The Benko Gambit is not primarily about direct central control. Instead, Black concedes central space to White but aims to counterattack on the flanks, especially the queenside. Thus, it is considered a flank-oriented gambit rather than a central attack opening.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Benko Gambit Accepted: Fully Accepted Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used Benko Gambit Accepted: Fully Accepted Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.