Neo-Benoni: 3.c3 cxd4

Neo-Benoni: 3.c3 cxd4

Definition

The Neo-Benoni with the specific move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.c3 cxd4 (or the transposition 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.c3 c5 4.Nf3 …) is a modern branch of the Benoni family in which:

1. White voluntarily plays the seemingly modest pawn push c2-c3 on move three, reinforcing d4 and keeping the option of an eventual e2-e4.
2. Black replies immediately with the capture …cxd4, exchanging the c-pawn for White’s d-pawn and reaching an early Semi-Tarrasch–type pawn structure.

After the natural recapture 4.cxd4, the position is characterised by a symmetrical central pawn mass (d4 vs. d5 once Black advances …d7-d5) and open c and sometimes e-files. ECO codes most often encountered are A52 and A53.

Move-Order Nuances

Two common sequences reach the headline position:

• 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.c3 cxd4 4.cxd4 – the most direct. Black has postponed …e6 and keeps options for …g6 (Benoni) or …d5 (Tarrasch set-up).
• 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.c3 c5 4.Nf3 cxd4 5.cxd4 – transposes from a “Quiet” line of the Indian Defences. Here Black is almost forced to continue with …d5, entering a Semi-Tarrasch.

The name “Neo-Benoni” is historical: in the classical Benoni Black keeps the pawn on c5 and challenges d4 later with …e6 and …exd5; in the neo version he removes the pawn tension immediately with …cxd4.

Strategic Ideas

• White
  • Enjoys a solid, flexible centre (pawns on d4 & e3/e4).
  • Plans to develop harmoniously: Nf3, Nc3, e3, Bd3, 0-0, and sometimes Qe2 followed by e4.
  • Can aim for an improved French Exchange structure after e2-e4, leaving Black’s light-squared bishop slightly passive.
• Black
  • Targets the d4-pawn with rapid …d5 or …Bb4+, achieving quick development.
  • Can fianchetto with …g6, entering Benoni-type middlegames without the typical space-grab d5.
  • Looks for pressure along the semi-open c-file (…Rc8, …Qb6) or the half-open e-file after …e6.

Typical Plans for Each Side

• White’s Isolani Clamp: play Nc3, Bg5, e3-e4, placing a knight on e5 and restraining Black’s breaks.
• Minority-style Advance: a2-a4-a5 to undermine Black’s queenside if he castles short.
• Black’s …e5 Break: after …d5 the thematic pawn lever …e6-e5 challenges White’s centre and opens the long diagonal for the c8-bishop.
• Benoni Hybrid: if Black delays …d5 and opts for …g6, typical plans include …Bg7, …0-0, …d6-d5 or …e6-e5 under more dynamic circumstances.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Although the structure first appeared in 19^th-century master play, it was popularised in the 1970s–1980s by Soviet players looking for a safer, less “all-or-nothing” alternative to the razor-sharp Modern Benoni. Vladimir Kramnik, Sergei Tiviakov and Michael Adams have all kept it in their repertoires, while computer engines today view the line as refreshingly balanced.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short grand-master skirmish displays many thematic ideas:

[[Pgn| d4 Nf6|c4 c5|c3 cxd4|cxd4 d5|Nf3 Nc6|Nc3 Bf5|Bf4 e6|e3 Bb4|Bb5 O-O|O-O Rc8 1/2-1/2 |arrows|c4c5,d4d5|squares|d4,c5,f5 ]]

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The “Neo-” prefix was coined in the 1950s, when the Soviet school advocated capturing on d4 to nip White’s space-advantage in the bud.
• An ironic aside: many players who fear the sharp Benoni with …e6 and …exd5 end up facing the c3-Benoni, which can transpose into a Caro-Kann-like Exchange structure – far less double-edged than the original defence.
• Because the position often resembles the Panov-Botvinnik Attack in reverse, Caro-Kann specialists may feel at home playing either colour.

Further Study

• Look up the game Adams – Tiviakov, Wijk aan Zee 1994 for a textbook demonstration of White’s e2-e4 central expansion.
• For Black’s dynamic possibilities, see Kramnik – Gelfand, Moscow 1993, where Black employs the …g6 Benoni set-up and strikes with …e5.
• Reference chapter “Neo-Benoni with c3” in Modern Benoni Structures by GM Ivan Sokolov.