Benoni Defense: French Benoni
Benoni Defense: French Benoni
Definition
The French Benoni is a branch of the Benoni Defense in which Black reaches the characteristic Benoni pawn-structure (…c5 versus White’s d5-pawn) after first playing the solid French move …e6, rather than the customary …g6 of the Modern Benoni. Because the light-squared bishop remains locked behind the e6-pawn, the position resembles a French Defense set-up that has transposed into Benoni territory—hence the hybrid name. It is classified in ECO as A43.
Typical Move Order
The French Benoni can be reached by several transpositions; two of the most common are:
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6
- 1. d4 e6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 exd5 4. cxd5 d6
After these moves the basic pawn skeleton arises:
White: pawns on d5, e2, f2, g2, h2 | Black: pawns on d6, c5, e6, f7, g7, h7
Strategic Themes
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Queenside Majority vs. Central Space
As in all Benoni systems, Black owns a 4-to-3 pawn majority on the queenside and plays for …b5, …a6, and piece pressure along the long diagonal and c-file. White enjoys more central space and usually aims for e4–e5, f2–f4, or the minority attack a2–a4–a5 to clamp down on b6. -
The “Bad” Bishop
Unlike the Modern Benoni, the French Benoni’s light-squared bishop is hemmed in by …e6. Black often plans …g6 and …Bg7 later, or even …b6 and …Ba6, to activate it. -
King Safety
Castling kingside is normal for both sides, but the absence of …g6 can delay Black’s fianchetto, sometimes leaving the king in the center longer. Conversely, White must watch for piece sacrifices on e4 or b2 that open lines toward the queen. -
Typical Tactical Motifs
- …Re8 and …Nxe4 tactical hits on the e4-pawn.
- Exchange sacrifice …Rxe4 to break White’s center and unleash the c8-bishop.
- Piece activity along the a1–h8 diagonal after …g6, …Bg7.
Historical Background & Notable Practitioners
The line gained traction in the 1960s when Soviet players such as Lev Polugaevsky and Efim Geller experimented with it as a surprise weapon. It has since appeared in the arsenals of Vassily Ivanchuk, Boris Gelfand, and more recently Richard Rapport, who all appreciate its counter-attacking potential without having to learn the massive Modern Benoni theory.
Illustrative Game
Below is a condensed miniature that shows typical French Benoni ideas, including the late …g6–…Bg7 regroup and the thematic …b5 break.
The game ends with a crushing passed d-pawn, illustrating both sides’ trumps: White’s space and central passer versus Black’s active pieces and pressure on the dark squares.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “French Benoni” is sometimes confused with the Franco-Benoni (1. e4 e6 2. d4 c5), which is a completely different opening against 1.e4. Remember: French Benoni = against 1.d4, Franco-Benoni = against 1.e4.
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Because Black often delays …g6, top grandmasters have used the French Benoni as a
move-order trap
to avoid heavily analyzed Modern Benoni lines that start with 2…c5. - Some engines initially dislike the structure (giving +0.70 or more for White), but practical results at master level are surprisingly balanced, proving that dynamic piece play can compensate for the cramped bishop.
Quick Reference Checklist for Black
- Break with …b5 whenever tactically possible.
- Free the c8-bishop via …g6–…Bg7 or …b6–…Ba6.
- Keep an eye on the e4-square—…Re8 and …Nxe4 tactics abound.
- Be ready to sacrifice material to shatter White’s center.
Mastering the French Benoni adds a flexible, less-traveled fighting option to Black’s repertoire, ideal for players who enjoy counter-attacking chess and are comfortable with an initially “bad” bishop that can spring to life later in the middlegame.