Benko Gambit: 5.bxa6 Bxa6

Opening Name: Benko Gambit: 5.bxa6 Bxa6

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6

Description: The Benko Gambit is a dynamic and aggressive opening choice for Black, where Black sacrifices a pawn on the queenside (with ...b5 and ...a6) to gain long-term positional pressure. After 5.bxa6 Bxa6, Black’s bishop is actively placed on a6, aiming at the central and queenside dark squares, especially targeting the c4 and d3 squares. This gambit is characteristic for its focus on active piece play and pressure on White’s queenside structure rather than immediate central occupation.

Characteristic of the Move: The capture 5.bxa6 accepts Black’s pawn sacrifice, allowing Black to develop the bishop to a6 with tempo. This move aims to open lines and diagonals for Black’s pieces, particularly along the a6-f1 diagonal, and to create potential pressure against White’s queenside pawns.

Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this opening is decidedly attacking, as Black willingly sacrifices material to gain initiative and active piece play on the queenside and along the a- and b-files. For White, the approach is generally more positional and defensive initially, focusing on consolidating the extra pawn and neutralizing Black’s pressure.

Center Control: The Benko Gambit does not directly attack the center with pawns; instead, Black focuses on exerting pressure from the flanks, especially on the queenside. White maintains a strong central pawn presence, but Black’s piece activity challenges White’s control indirectly by targeting key squares around the center.