Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3
Benoni: 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 characterises one of the main branches of the Modern Benoni Defence. After White establishes a protected passed pawn on d5, Black accepts a structural concession (isolated d-pawn) in exchange for dynamic piece play on the dark squares and along the half-open e- and h- files. The move 6.Nf3 is the most flexible continuation, keeping options open for e2–e4, g2–g3, or the classical Bf4/Bg5 setups.
Move Order & Key Ideas
The typical move order is:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 (the Benoni trigger)
- 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 (Black undermines the d5 pawn indirectly)
- 6.Nf3 — White develops naturally, eyeing e4 while preventing ...Bg4.
Main strategic themes:
- Pawn Structure – White: δ-chain (c4–d5) with space advantage; Black: half-open e-file and majority on the queenside (a, b, c-pawns).
- Piece Placement – Black often plays ...g6, ...Bg7, ...0-0, followed by ...Re8 and a timely ...b5 break; White seeks e2–e4, h2–h3, and sometimes a kingside pawn storm with f2–f4.
- Central Tension – The e4 square is the battlefield; after 7.e4 g6 8.Be2 Bg7, both sides coordinate pieces toward d5/e4.
- Minor-Piece Battles – The g7-bishop and c3-knight are the “heroes” of their respective armies; Black often exchanges on c3 to weaken d4, while White preserves the knight to jump into b5 or d6.
Strategic Significance
This particular Benoni tabiya is considered one of the most double-edged openings in chess.
Since the 1960s it has been a favourite of aggressive players willing to trade
long-term structural weaknesses for immediate tactical chances.
In modern practice the line retains theoretical depth, often producing
imbalanced middlegames rich in tactical motifs such as the
...b5 pawn sacrifice, the e4–e5 thrust, or the Benoni bishop sacrifice
...Bxc3+ followed by ...Qh4+.
Famous Games & Illustrative Examples
- Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship 1985, Game 16: Kasparov used the Modern Benoni to score a critical victory, illustrating the power of the ...b5 break and the long-diagonal pressure of the g7-bishop.
- Tal – Fischer, Candidates 1959: Although Fischer lost, the game is a classic demonstration of White’s central expansion with e4-e5 and kingside attack after 6.Nf3 g6 7.e4 Bg7 8.Be2 0-0 9.0-0 Re8 10.Nd2.
You can replay the basic opening moves here:
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Origins of the Name – “Benoni” comes from Aaron Reinganum’s 1825 treatise Ben-Oni or the Child of Sorrow. The word later attached itself to the defence beginning with 1.d4 c5.
- The
Son of Sorrow
Reputation – For decades many classical players (e.g., Capablanca, Karpov) viewed the Benoni with suspicion, believing Black’s structure too loose. Computer engines, however, have revived interest, showing that accurate play yields sufficient counter-play. - Engine Preference – Modern engines often fluctuate: some favour White’s space edge (≈+0.30), while others appreciate Black’s dynamic chances. This makes the line popular in human vs human tournaments where practical complexity matters.
- Concrete Theory – After 6.Nf3 g6 7.e4 Bg7 8.h3 0-0 9.Bd3 b5!?, Black may sacrifice the b-pawn for swift queenside play; this is still hotly debated.
Typical Plans After 6.Nf3
- For White
- Push e4–e5 to cramp Black’s pieces.
- Exploit the d5 outpost for knights or a rook lift Rd1–d3–h3.
- Target the d6 pawn through a minority attack with Bf4, Nd2–c4.
- For Black
- Break with ...b5, challenging White’s queenside chain.
- Pressure the e4 pawn (after it advances) with ...Re8 and a timely ...Nbd7–f6.
- Launch a kingside counter using ...h5–h4 or a rook swing to e5–h5.
Practical Tips
- If you play Black, memorise concrete move orders; one tempo can change the evaluation.
- As White, avoid automatic moves—timing of h2-h3 or f2-f4 can decide the game.
- Endgames often favour White, so Black should keep pieces on and seek complications.