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: Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6
Description: This line arises from the Modern Benoni Defense, a dynamic and asymmetrical opening where Black challenges White’s central control early on. After 4.Nc3, Black captures on d5 with 4...exd5, and White recaptures with 5.cxd5. Black then plays 5...d6, solidifying control over the e5-square and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop and knight actively.
Characteristic of the move 5...d6: This move is characteristic of the Benoni structure, aiming to support the central and queenside tension while keeping options open for counterplay. It restricts White’s advance in the center and prepares Black’s pieces for active development, especially the knight to d7 and bishop to g7 in many cases.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this setup is more counterattacking than purely defensive. Black willingly concedes some space to White but looks for counterplay on the queenside and central breaks like ...b5 or ...e6 later. White, on the other hand, often plays more aggressively, using the spatial advantage to build up pressure in the center and kingside.
Center Control: This opening does involve fighting for the center, but in a somewhat indirect way. White initially occupies more central space with pawns on d5 and c4, while Black challenges the center with pawn breaks and piece pressure rather than direct occupation. The move 5...d6 helps Black maintain a foothold in the center by controlling key squares and preparing counterstrikes.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.