Benoni Four Pawns: Taimanov & 9.a4 O-O 10.Nf3 Na6
Benoni: Four Pawns
Definition
The Four Pawns Attack in the Modern Benoni Defense arises when White erects a broad pawn phalanx on c4–d5–e4–f4. A characteristic starting position can occur after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4. The formation gives White maximum central space while Black seeks dynamic counter-play based on piece activity, pawn breaks with …b5 and …f5, and pressure on the long diagonal a1–h8.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common routes is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 c5
- 3.d5 e6
- 4.Nc3 exd5
- 5.cxd5 d6
- 6.e4 g6
- 7.f4 Bg7
The moment 7.f4 is played, the opening is already labelled “Benoni: Four Pawns” in most databases and opening manuals (ECO code A43).
Strategic Themes
- White’s ambitions: Use the mobile e- and f-pawns to push e4-e5 or f4-f5, cramping Black. Central space allows harmonious piece development to Nf3, Bd3, 0-0, and sometimes a timely e4-e5 break.
- Black’s counter-play: Attack White’s center with …Re8, …b5, and especially the thematic …f5 pawn break. The g7-bishop and the half-open e-file are crucial attacking avenues.
- Imbalances: White enjoys space and a dangerous pawn mass; Black has long-term targets (the over-extended pawns) and excellent piece activity once the position opens.
Historical Significance
The idea of marching four pawns forward against the Benoni dates back to the 1930s, but it was popularised in the 1960s and 70s when aggressive players such as Bobby Fischer and later Garry Kasparov used it occasionally. Its present-day theory is heavily computer-checked, yet it still attracts enterprising players who relish sharp, tactical battles.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Interesting Facts
- Because the line often leads to opposite-side castling, decisive results are common; draws are below 30 % in master practice.
- Grandmasters Richard Rapport and Vugar Gashimov were modern specialists, winning numerous sparkling games on the white side.
- In engine matches, the Four Pawns remains one of the few Benoni systems that computers evaluate as clearly pleasant for White, yet practical results over-the-board are far less one-sided.
Taimanov (in the Benoni Four Pawns)
Definition
The Taimanov Variation of the Benoni Four Pawns is defined by the surprising check 8.Bb5+, introduced by Soviet grandmaster and concert pianist Mark Taimanov. After 7…Bg7, White plays 8.Bb5+ forcing a concession in Black’s setup before continuing normal development.
Canonical Line
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Bg7
- 8.Bb5+ Nfd7 (the most common reply)
Strategic Ideas
- 8.Bb5+ tempts Black into either 8…Bd7 (blocking the c8-bishop) or 8…Nfd7 (knight retreat), slightly weakening Black’s queenside coordination.
- The check buys White an extra tempo to prepare e4-e5 or f4-f5 while the misplaced d7-knight can obstruct the thematic …b5 break.
- Black in return aims for rapid …O-O, …Re8 and central undermining with …f5. The move …Nfd7 also prepares …a6 followed by …b5 in some lines.
Historical & Theoretical Importance
Taimanov first unveiled the idea in the 1960s; it soon became the main line because ordinary plans without the check allowed Black easy counter-play. Today engines still give White a small edge, but practical complications keep the variation double-edged.
Notable Example
A celebrated encounter is Timman vs Karpov, Tilburg 1982, where Karpov demonstrated resilient defence and eventually seized the initiative after accurately meeting the Taimanov line.
Trivia
- Mark Taimanov lent his name to four major opening systems: this Benoni line, the Sicilian Taimanov (2…e6 & …Nc6), the Nimzo-Indian 4.e3 Nc6, and a variation of the King’s Indian Four Pawns with 6…c5.
- In several languages the move 8.Bb5+ is simply called “Taimanov’s check.”
9.a4 O-O 10.Nf3 Na6
Where It Occurs
This exact move-sequence is a frequently played branch inside the Taimanov Variation of the Benoni Four Pawns. After 8.Bb5+ Nfd7, White’s most common continuation is 9.a4 preventing …b5. Black replies 9…O-O (completing development) and, after 10.Nf3, chooses 10…Na6 aiming for c7–c4 pressure from c7 or b4 and supporting the …Nb4 jump.
Move-by-Move Explanation
- 9.a4 – Stops …b5 forever and fixes the a6-square as a post for Black’s knight.
- …O-O – Black must safeguard the king before starting counter-play.
- 10.Nf3 – Connects rooks and over-protects d4/e5 squares; White keeps options of e4-e5 or f4-f5.
- …Na6 – The knight heads for b4 or c7 (after …Nc7) to strike at d5. From a6 it also eyes c5, supporting a future …c4 break in some lines.
Strategic Nuances
- Black’s Na6-c7-b5 manoeuvre is thematic: it re-establishes the …b5 lever that 9.a4 tried to suppress.
- White often castles long (0-0-0) to keep a rook on the f-file for f4-f5. Short castling is also possible but can invite kingside pawn storms from Black.
- The position is tactically charged; both sides must calculate pawn breaks (e5, f5, c4) several moves ahead.
Sample Line
Model Game
Gashimov – Carlsen, Nanjing 2010 followed this exact sequence. Gashimov’s energetic 11.Be2 and 12.O-O-O kept Black under pressure, but Carlsen’s resourceful …Re8–e7–f5 break equalised and the game was eventually drawn after a tactical skirmish.
Did You Know?
- The 10…Na6 idea was first analysed by the legendary theoretician Isaak Boleslavsky, but it was Mark Taimanov’s games that popularised it, hence some older manuals call this branch “the Boleslavsky–Taimanov system.”
- Because the knight travels a6-b4-d3 in many variations, commentators sometimes nickname it “the octopus,” referencing Kasparov’s famous d3-knight in the 1990 World Championship match.