Benoni Defense: Hromádka–Lundin Variation
Benoni Defense — Hromádka – Lundin Variation
Definition
The Hromádka–Lundin Variation is an off-beat but fully respectable branch of the Benoni family that usually arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.d5. By inserting 2.Nf3 before the advance 3.d5, White cuts out several of Black’s most theoretical Benoni replies, yet Black still succeeds in establishing the characteristic …c5 vs. d5 pawn tension. The line is named for Czech master Karel Hromádka (1887-1956) and Swedish grandmaster Erik Lundin (1904-1988), both early adopters who explored its subtleties in the 1920-50s.
Typical Move Order & Tabiya
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. d5 e6 (3…g6 is an immediate transposition option) 4. c4 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6
After 6…g6 the position mirrors the Modern Benoni, but the early ♘f3 significantly alters both sides’ plans: White’s f-pawn is blocked (slowing the aggressive f2-f4 thrust), while Black’s …e6 break has already been achieved.
Strategic Themes
- For Black
- Queenside counter-play with …b5, …b4 and pressure on the semi-open c-file.
- Piece activity on dark squares after …g6, …Bg7 and central pressure on e4.
- The blocked f-pawn means White’s typical Four-Pawns-Attack setups are harder to reach.
- For White
- Maintain space advantage and look for central breaks with e4-e5 or c4-c5.
- Fianchetto plan (g3, Bg2) is popular, restraining Black’s dark-squared bishop.
- Over-protect c4 to blunt Black’s …b5 ideas.
Theoretical Status
Modern engines rate the position at roughly +0.30 for White — a small pull typical of most Benoni structures. Because main-line theory is thinner than in the Modern Benoni (A60–A79), the variation is prized as a surprise weapon at master level and a practical choice in rapid or online play.
Historical Highlights & Famous Games
- Lundin – >Najdorf, Buenos Aires 1954
– Najdorf unleashed a fierce kingside attack that
ended in a picturesque mate.
[[Pgn|1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.d5 g6 4.c4 Bg7 5.Nc3 d6 6.e4 O-O 7.Be2 e6 8.O-O exd5 9.cxd5 a6 10.a4 Bg4 11.Bf4 Re8 12.Nd2 Bxe2 13.Qxe2 Qc7 14.Nc4 Nbd7 15.Bxd6 Qd8 16.e5 Nh5 17.f4 Bf8 18.Bxf8 Rxf8 19.g4 Ng7 20.Ne4 b5 21.Ncd6 Qb6 22.a5 Qa7 23.Qf2 h5 24.Qg3 c4 25.Kh1 Qd4 26.Rad1 Qxb2 27.gxh5 Nxh5 28.Qg5 c3 29.e6 Ndf6 30.exf7+ Rxf7 31.Qxg6+ Rg7 32.Nxf6+ Nxf6 33.Qxf6 Qg2#|fen|r3rk2/3nqpp1/p1np3p/1p1P4/P1P1P1Q1/2N2Q2/PP3PRP/R3R1K1 b q - 0 33]] - Hromádka – Réti, Prague 1923
– Hromádka demonstrated how central control can
squeeze Black into a difficult endgame.
[[Pgn|1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.d5 d6 4.Nc3 g6 5.e4 Bg7 6.Be2 O-O 7.O-O e6 8.Re1 exd5 9.exd5 Re8 10.Bf4 a6 11.a4 Qc7 12.Nd2 Nbd7 13.Nc4 Bf8 14.Qd2 Nb6 15.Na3 Bd7 16.a5 Na4 17.Nxa4 Bxa4 18.Nc4 Bb5 19.Bf1 Ne4 20.Qd3 f5 21.f3 Nf6 22.Re6 Bxc4 23.Qxc4 Rxe6 24.dxe6 Be7 25.c3 Qc6 26.Rd1 d5 27.Qb3 c4 28.Qb6 Qxb6+ 29.axb6 Bc5+ 30.Kh1 Re8 31.Be5 Rxe6 32.Bxf6 Rxf6 33.Rxd5 Bxb6 34.Bxc4 Kf8 35.g3 Rc6 36.Bb3 Ke7 37.Kg2 Rc5 38.Rd2 Rb5 39.Bc4 Rc5 40.Bg8 h6 41.Re2+ Kf6 42.Re6+ 1-0|fen|8]]
Current Popularity
Online database statistics show Black scoring slightly above 48 % in blitz games, outperforming the main-line Modern Benoni (≈45 %), largely thanks to surprise value and reduced theory.
Interesting Facts
- Lundin played 2…c5 so often that some mid-century books called it the “Lundin Defense.”
- Tigran Petrosian experimented with the variation in training games, attracted by its solid but flexible structure.
- Because of the early ♘f3, transpositions to the Czech Benoni (…e5) are still possible if Black plays 3…e5 instead of 3…e6 or 3…g6.
Practical Tips
- Black players wanting a Benoni while dodging the sharp Four-Pawns Attack can choose 2…c5 whenever White develops ♘f3 early.
- White can blunt Black’s fianchettoed bishop with the Kingside Fianchetto setup (g3, Bg2). The resulting positions resemble the Benoni Fianchetto Variation but with an extra tempo for White.
- Always watch for the tactical break …b5; prophylaxis with a2-a4 or Rb1 is often essential.
Summary
The Hromádka–Lundin Variation offers both sides unbalanced pawn structures, dynamic piece play, and far less memorization than the headline Modern Benoni lines. Whether you seek a surprise weapon for Black or a strategically rich battleground for White, this historical sideline remains a fertile field of exploration.