Benko Gambit: Accepted, 6.Nc3 g6

Benko Gambit: Accepted, 6.Nc3 g6

Definition

The Benko Gambit (also called the Volga Gambit) begins with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5. Black offers a pawn with the promise of long-term pressure on the queenside dark squares and the open a- and b- files. When White captures twice—4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6—this is the “Accepted” line, and Black’s most popular follow-up is 5…g6, fianchettoing the bishop. After White’s principal reply 6.Nc3, Black plays 6…g6 (sometimes written as “…Bg7” immediately), entering the position covered by ECO code A58. The tabiya (main starting position) therefore arises after:

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7

Note: databases often omit “…Bg7” until move seven because “…g6” and “fianchetto” are so automatic; in written shorthand the variation is summarized as “Benko Gambit Accepted, 6.Nc3 g6.”

Typical Move Order

1. 1.d4 Nf6
2. 2.c4 c5
3. 3.d5 b5 (Black offers the Benko pawn)
4. 4.cxb5 a6
5. 5.bxa6 g6 (Black sacrifices a second pawn but speeds development)
6. 6.Nc3 Bg7 (The hallmark of the 6.Nc3 line)

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s Compensation
  • Open a- and b- files for the rooks.
  • Long-range pressure with the fianchettoed bishop on g7 aiming at b2 and the e1–h4 diagonal.
  • Strong outposts on d4 and c5 for knights.
  • Queenside majority in some endgames (pawns on a6, b7 versus White’s single a-pawn).
• White’s Trumps
  • Extra pawn (usually the a- pawn) that may advance to a7 or support b6.
  • Central space advantage; potential to play e4 and f4 to restrain Black’s pieces.
  • The 6.Nc3 move prepares e4 while placing the knight on its most natural square.
• Typical Plans for White after 6…Bg7
  • 7.e4 d6 8.Nf3 0-0 9.Be2 converting the extra pawn into central dominance.
  • Alternative: 7.Nf3 d6 8.g3 Bxa6 9.Bg2 developing harmoniously and aiming for e4 later.
• Typical Plans for Black
  • …Bxa6 recapturing the a6-pawn once the bishop is safe from tempos.
  • …Nbd7–b6–c4 or …Na6–b4 maneuver planting a knight on c2/d3.
  • Pressure along the half-open files with …Qa5, …Rb8, …Rfb8, and later …c4 to undermine White’s structure.

Historical Context

The gambit is named after Hungarian-American grandmaster Pal Benko, who used it extensively in the 1960s. The specific 6.Nc3 line gained popularity in the 1970s when analytical engines and top players (Korchnoi, Ljubojević, Benko himself) concluded that the immediate 6.Nf3 allowed Black more counterplay. 6.Nc3 keeps the f-pawn free and prevents the …Qa5+ nuisance. Modern engines still judge the position as roughly equal, a tribute to Black’s lasting compensation.

Illustrative Game

Korchnoi – Benko, Monte Carlo 1968

In this early clash, Benko demonstrated the dynamic potential of the queenside files. Although Korchnoi ultimately held, Black’s rooks on a8 and b8 were monsters, underscoring why the gambit became a staple in Benko’s repertoire.

Modern Treatment

Contemporary grandmasters such as Richard Rapport and benoncino (fictional username) still wheel out the Benko when they need fighting chances with Black. Many rapid and blitz games embrace the 6.Nc3 line because it leads to imbalanced structures and positions where understanding trumps memorization.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Benko donated his 1970 Interzonal prize money to fund Bobby Fischer’s participation, indirectly assisting Fischer’s 1972 World Championship run—yet another reason the opening bears his name.
• Despite being a pawn down, Black scores close to 50 % in databases after 6.Nc3 g6—an impressive stat for a gambit.
• In computer chess, engines below depth 25 often overvalue White’s extra pawn, but at higher depth the evaluation drifts toward equality, showing the gambit’s deep positional compensation.
• The late GM Tony Miles once quipped, “If you want to suffer, accept the Benko pawn; if you want to lose, decline it.” The 6.Nc3 line is his recommended “least suffering” route!

When to Choose This Line

For White: choose 6.Nc3 if you enjoy space plus a safe king and are willing to handle long, technical endings. Avoid it if you dislike defending with an extra pawn but a cramped queenside.
For Black: enter the Benko if you thrive on piece activity, endgame pressure, and know your strategic themes; steer clear if you prefer concrete material rather than compensation.