Benoni Defense: Weenink Variation
Benoni Defense: Weenink Variation
Definition
The Weenink Variation is an aggressive sideline of the Old Benoni Defense in which Black follows up the immediate 1…c5 with the Dutch-style pawn thrust 2…f5: 1. d4 c5 2. d5 f5. By combining Benoni and Dutch ideas, Black tries to seize control of the e4–square and generate rapid kingside pressure, accepting structural weaknesses and a developmental lag as the price for active play.
Typical move order
The core position arises after only two moves:
- 1. d4 c5 2. d5 f5 (Benoni Defense: Weenink Variation)
Common continuations include:
- 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 5. e4 d6, when Black attempts a quick …Bg7 and …0-0.
- 3. dxe6 d6 4. Nc3 Bxe6, accepting an IQP to accelerate development.
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 d6, heading for Dutch-type positions with the c-pawn already on c5.
Strategic themes
Because the variation merges two very different openings, its strategy is a hybrid:
- Kingside initiative for Black — The pawn pair on f5 and c5 gives Black space and potential attacking chances against the white king, especially after …g6 and …Bg7.
- Fight for e4 — Both sides wrestle for this central square. If Black can plant a knight on e4 or force the advance e3–e4 to close the centre, his long-term prospects improve.
- Queenside majority for White — The advanced d-pawn cramps Black. When the centre opens, the half-open b- and c-files often favour White in the endgame.
- Development vs. structure — Black spends time on pawn moves (…c5, …f5, …g6), so White aims at quick development and timely pawn breaks (e4 or b4) to punish the lag.
Historical background
The line is named after the Dutch player and end-game composer Hendrik H. Weenink (1893–1931), who employed the idea in over-the-board play during the 1920s. Although never a mainstream choice at elite level, the variation occasionally surfaces as a surprise weapon. Its most notable practitioner later in the 20th century was the Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman, who tried it in several rapid events, staying true to its Dutch roots.
Illustrative game
One of the earliest examples is the skirmish that gave the line its name. The game shows both the dangers and the dynamism inherent in Black’s setup.
Typical plans for both sides
- Black
- Finish development quickly with …Nf6, …g6, …Bg7, …0-0.
- Break in the centre with …e6 or prepare …e5 to uproot the d-pawn.
- Target the kingside via …Qe8-h5, …Ng4, and pawn storms with …h6–g5 or …f4.
- White
- Exploit the advanced d-pawn to restrict Black’s pieces.
- Challenge the f5-pawn promptly with e4 or capture on e6 when it is offered.
- Open queenside lines with b4, c4, or a4 to exploit Black’s weakened dark squares.
- Maintain a development lead, often castling long to race opposite-side attacks.
Example line to remember
The following short sequence, favoured by modern engines, illustrates the critical test 3.dxe6:
1. d4 c5 2. d5 f5 3. dxe6 d6 4. e4 Bxe6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. Bb5+
White liquidates the central tension, keeps a plus in development,
and forces Black to find accurate moves to avoid drifting into a
passive Benoni-Dutch setup.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- Hendrik Weenink is far better known for his chess studies than for his over-the-board exploits; his opening idea lives on as a quirky footnote to an otherwise illustrious composing career.
- The variation scores surprisingly well in correspondence chess, where precise defence to White’s initiative is easier to find. Over-the-board, however, its success rate plummets as the second player often drifts into difficult endgames.
- Because it fuses two distinctly “Dutch” systems (the Dutch Defense and a line popularised by a Dutch player), many books in the Netherlands simply list it as “Het Nederlands-Benoni”.
Related systems
- Benoni Defense: Old Benoni (1…c5 without …Nf6)
- Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit (1.d4 f5 2.e4) – shares the early …f-pawn thrust
- Modern Benoni: Four-Pawns Attack (with f2-f4) – similar pawn structure but colours reversed