Neo-Benoni 3.dxc5
Neo-Benoni 3.dxc5
Definition
The Neo-Benoni 3.dxc5 is a sideline of the Modern Benoni family that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. dxc5. Instead of protecting the d-pawn with 3.d5 (the main line) or transposing to other Queen’s Pawn openings, White immediately captures the c-pawn, accepting an early structural concession to obtain a temporary extra pawn and to avoid the typical Benoni pawn wedge d5-e6. The resulting position is sometimes called the Accepted Benoni, but “Neo-Benoni 3.dxc5” is the more precise name in modern databases.
Typical Move Order & Main Ideas
Standard sequence:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.dxc5 – White takes on c5.
- …e6 4.Nf3 Bxc5 – Black regains the pawn smoothly.
Alternative tries for Black include 3…Na6 (immediate recovery), 3…Qa5+ 4.Nc3 Qxc5, or 3…e5 aiming at a Benko-style structure. Whatever the method, Black’s strategy is to recapture on c5 while preserving central flexibility; White’s aim is to exploit the extra tempo gained by forcing Black’s bishop or queen to move twice.
Strategic Themes
- Time vs. Structure – White concedes the broad pawn centre (d4-e4 is harder to achieve) but claims a tempo for development.
- Piece Activity – Because the d-pawn has left its post, both sides often develop pieces freely: Bg2 for White or Bxc5 followed by Nc6 and 0-0 for Black.
- Transpositional Possibilities – The opening can transpose to Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Bogo-Indian or even English-Benoni hybrids depending on Black’s recapture method.
- IQP & Hanging Pawns – If Black plays …d6-d5 later, an Isolated Queen’s Pawn may arise; if White plays e3 and cxd5, the resulting hanging pawn pair on c5-d5 is typical.
Historical Background
The line first appeared in master play in the early 20th century but never reached the popularity of 3.d5. In the 1970s-80s, players like Ulf Andersson and Gyula Sax used 3.dxc5 as a surprise weapon to sidestep heavily-analysed Benoni main lines. The advent of strong engines has confirmed that Black holds equality with accurate play, which explains the line’s relative rarity in elite tournaments today.
Illustrative Example
A model game showing the key ideas:
• White extracted an extra tempo forcing …Bxc5, then aimed for a clamp on the dark squares with e3 and Na4. • Black obtained the characteristic hanging pawns on c5-d5 and counter-play on the half-open e-file.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Rapid development: Nf3, Nc3, e3, Be2, 0-0.
- Queenside space: a3 & b4 harassing the recaptured bishop.
- Pressure on d5 after eventual cxd5 exchanges.
- For Black
- Safe recapture on c5 (…Qa5+ or …Bxc5).
- Central breaks: …d5 or …e5 depending on White’s setup.
- Piece activity on dark squares: …Bb4+, …Qa5, and use of the e-file.
Common Traps & Tactics
- After 3…Qa5+ 4.Nc3 Qxc5 5.e4?! Nxe4! – Black wins a pawn because the c3-knight is pinned.
- 3…Na6 4.Nc3 Nxc5 5.Nf3 Nfe4? 6.Nxe4 Nxe4 7.Qd4 – White forks e4-rook and wins material.
Notable Games
- Ulf Andersson – Jan Hein Donner, Wijk aan Zee 1975: White neutralized Black’s counter-play and converted a small end-game edge.
- Peter Svidler – Loek van Wely, Tilburg 1997: Demonstrated Black’s dynamic chances with early …e5.
Interesting Facts
- The line briefly enjoyed a renaissance in correspondence chess, where exact defence with …Qa5+ was easier to find.
- Grandmaster Bent Larsen proposed 3.dxc5 as an “anti-Benko” weapon, since 3…b5?! is now impossible.
- The ECO code for 3.dxc5 is usually listed under A56 (Benoni Defence: pawn takes c5 variation).
Summary
Neo-Benoni 3.dxc5 is a practical sideline offering White a low-theory, positionally sound route to avoid the razor-sharp Modern Benoni. Black, however, can equalise with accurate play, so the variation serves best as a surprise weapon rather than a main repertoire choice.