Benima Defense, Scotch Openings
Benima Defense
Definition
The Benima Defense is an off-beat reply to the Queen’s-pawn opening that starts with the single move 1…c5!? after 1.d4. Instead of mirroring White’s central pawn with 1…d5 or developing a knight, Black strikes at the centre from the flank in a manner that resembles the Sicilian Defence against 1.e4. The line is named after the Dutch master Jacques Benima (1838–1922), who employed it in late-19th-century tournaments.
Typical Move Order
A common tabiya arises after:
- 1.d4 c5 2.d5 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 4.e4 exd5 5.e5 (Old Benoni structure)
- 1.d4 c5 2.d5 f5!? (the so-called Benima Gambit)
Strategic Ideas
- Immediate imbalance. The early …c5 concedes space but creates pawn tension and an asymmetrical pawn structure, giving both sides chances to play for a win from move one.
- Sicilian-style themes. Black hopes to generate queenside counterplay with …b5, …a6, and piece pressure on d4, while White often strives for a broad centre or a kingside pawn storm.
- Risk–reward ratio. Against precise play, White’s spatial advantage and easier development can become overwhelming, which is why the opening is rare in elite events.
Historical & Practical Significance
Although never a mainstream defence, 1…c5 has served as a surprise weapon. Grandmasters such as Teimour Radjabov, Alexander Shabalov, and Jonny Hector have rolled it out to avoid well-trodden Queen’s-Indian, Nimzo-Indian, or King’s-Indian theory. Its very rarity can put a well-prepared 1.d4 player on unfamiliar ground.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Here is a short attacking win for Black that shows the gambit spirit:
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because ECO classifies it as A43, some databases list the opening simply as “Old Benoni.” Earlier British literature, however, kept Benima’s name alive.
- The Dutch connection is amusing: Benima was Dutch, yet the opening is often reached by players seeking an alternative to the Dutch Defence proper (1…f5).
- In correspondence chess the Benima Gambit (2…f5) scores surprisingly well; engines have shown that the sacrificed pawn can give long-term dark-square pressure.
Scotch
Definition
The Scotch Game—usually shortened by players to simply “the Scotch”—is the open, central-break system that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4. White immediately challenges Black’s e-pawn, aiming to exchange central pawns and reach lively positions with free piece play. The name commemorates the 1824 Edinburgh vs. London correspondence match in which the Scottish team popularised the line.
Main Variations
- Scotch Four Knights: 3…Nf6 4.Nc3 Bb4 (or 4…d5)
- Classical Scotch: 3…exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Be3 Qf6 (the “Paulsen Variation”)
- Mieses Variation: 3…exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5
- Scotch Gambit: 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 (inviting highly tactical play)
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension vs. Development. By trading the d-pawn, White hopes to occupy the centre with pieces (Nc3, Be3, Qd2) and possibly the pawn thrust e5.
- Open lines for minor pieces. Bishops on c4 and f1 often become powerful once the e- and d-files open up.
- Dynamic pawn structure. Black frequently accepts an isolated or doubled pawn (…bxc6) in exchange for the bishop pair and active counterplay.
Historical Highlights
Although the Scotch fell out of favour in the late 19th century—Steinitz considered it “too straightforward”—it returned spectacularly when Garry Kasparov used it as a surprise weapon in his 1990 World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov. The revival sparked a new body of theory that remains relevant today.
Model Game
The following Kasparov miniature showcases the Mieses Variation:
(Kasparov–Karpov, Linares 1991 – 1-0 after 25 moves)
Contemporary Usage
Today the Scotch remains a respected alternative to the Ruy López and Italian Games for players who want:
- A theoretical but forcing weapon. Many lines lead to early simplifications but still allow White to press for an end-game edge.
- A surprise in rapid & blitz. Its directness can catch opponents relying on heavy Ruy López preparation off guard.
- Engine approval. Modern engines often evaluate main-line Scotch positions as dynamically equal, assuring both sides of objective soundness.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The very first game on record with 3.d4 was played by the Scotch master John Cochrane in 1820.
- When Kasparov unveiled the Scotch in the 1990 title match, Karpov allegedly muttered, “He wants a sword fight, not a duel of manoeuvres.”
- Magnus Carlsen has used the Scotch Gambit in blitz exhibitions to create sharp, sacrificial attacks—proof that the opening scales from classical to bullet.