Benko Gambit Accepted: Central Storming Variation

Benko Gambit Accepted: Central Storming Variation

Definition

The Central Storming Variation is a sharp sub-line of the Benko (Volga) Gambit, arising after White accepts the pawn sacrifice and then returns material (or declines to hold on to it) in order to build a formidable pawn centre with thrusts such as e4–e5 and f2–f4. In essence, White’s strategy is to “storm” the centre before Black’s queenside pressure fully materialises, while Black tries to prove that the long-term pressure on the open a- and b-files compensates for any temporary spatial deficit.

Typical Move-order

One of the most common paths runs:

• 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5
• 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 (Benko Gambit Accepted)
• 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6
• 9. f4 Bg7 10. Nf3 O-O 11. g3 Nbd7
• 12. Kg2 Qa5 13. e5 (The characteristic central break.)

From here the game typically explodes after 13…dxe5 14. fxe5 Ng4 or 14. Nxe5 dxe5 15. fxe5, with opposite-side attacks almost guaranteed.

Strategic Themes

• White wants a pawn wedge on e5, often followed by f4–f5 and a kingside assault. Having given up the a- and/or b-pawns, initiative is vital—“storm or be stormed.”
• Black relies on “Benko archetypes”:
  • Fianchettoed bishop on g7 raking down the long diagonal.
  • Rooks doubled along the half-open a- and b-files.
  • Timely …e6 or …c4 breaks to undermine White’s centre.
• The variation is resource-heavy: both sides must calculate accurately because opposite-wing play means tempo > material.

Historical Notes

Although the Benko Gambit gained mainstream popularity in the 1970s thanks to GM Pal Benko, the Central Storming idea was refined in the 1990s by aggressive grandmasters such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexander Shabalov. Its modern reputation is that of an “anti-Benko” weapon: instead of clinging to material, White fights fire with fire, forcing Black to justify the pawn investment immediately.

Illustrative Games

1. Mamedyarov – Pawelczak, Cappelle-la-Grande 2004
   Mamedyarov’s pawns steamrolled the centre, leaving Black’s queenside rook activity too slow.
2. Shabalov – Benjamin, U.S. Championship 1997
   Shabalov’s central e5-pawn determined the course of the middlegame.

When to Use It

The Central Storming Variation is recommended for players who:

• Are comfortable sacrificing—or at least returning—material for the initiative.
• Prefer hand-to-hand tactical battles over slow manoeuvring.
• Want to sidestep the heavily analysed “mainline holding” setups where White tries to keep the extra pawn.

Interesting Facts

• The line is so dynamic that engines evaluating the initial pawn grab as “≈0.00” often swing to +1.5 or –1.5 within a few moves, depending on who times the central break better.
• Because Black’s queen usually lands on a5 or b6 early, grandmasters joke that the move …Qa5 is the “air-raid siren” signalling the start of the central storm.
• In several correspondence games White has even offered a second pawn with 9. f4 and 10. e5 just to keep the initiative alive—a testament to the power of time over material in this opening.

Summary

The Benko Gambit Accepted: Central Storming Variation flips the script of the typical Benko narrative. Instead of clinging to extra material or trying to slowly consolidate, White hurls pawns up the middle in an attempt to gain a decisive lead in development and space. Black, in turn, must co-ordinate pieces with laser-precision; otherwise, the very pawn Black sacrificed for activity becomes the wedge that pries open his own position.