Old Benoni: 2.c3
Old Benoni: 2.c3
Definition
The move 2.c3 against the Old Benoni arises after the sequence 1.d4 c5 2.c3. Instead of the more popular 2.d5 or 2.dxc5, White calmly reinforces the d4-pawn with the c-pawn, establishing a broad central platform and keeping all options open. Because the early c-pawn advance resembles the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.c3) with colors reversed, it is sometimes nicknamed the “Alapin Benoni” or “Reversed Alapin.”
Typical Move Order
1.d4 c5 2.c3
From here the most common replies are:
- 2…Nf6 3.Nf3 e6 4.e3, transposing to a French-type set-up.
- 2…e6 3.Nf3 d5 leading to Caro-Kann / French structures.
- 2…d5 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.dxc5 e6 with an isolated-queen-pawn game.
Strategic Ideas for White
- Solid Central Grip. By playing c2-c3, White reinforces d4 and prepares e2-e4, setting up a classical pawn duo (d4–e4) in the centre.
- Flexible Development. Because the c-pawn stays on c3, the queenside pieces can develop behind the pawn chain—Nd2, Bd3, Qe2—without blocking each other.
- Transpositional Weapon. Depending on Black’s reply, the game can steer into French, Caro-Kann (Panov-like), or even Queen’s Gambit structures. White can choose lines that best suit his style.
- Limiting Benoni Counterplay. The traditional Benoni thrust …e6–e5 is harder to achieve because c3 blunts the long diagonal (a1–h8) and covers b4, depriving Black of typical queenside activity.
Strategic Ideas for Black
- Timely …d5 Break. Striking in the centre before White installs e2-e4 can equalise space and free Black’s light-squared bishop.
- French-Style Counterplay. After 2…Nf6 3.Nf3 e6 Black may aim for …d5 and …b6, targeting the d4-pawn and challenging White’s centre.
- Piece Pressure. With the pawn structure relatively closed, Black can manoeuvre knights to c6 and d7, bishops to d6 or b4, and look for tactics based on pins and central tension.
- Queenside Expansion. If White advances e4 too hastily, …cxd4 …d5 or …b5 followed by …b4 can undermine the centre and seize queenside space.
Historical Background
The Old Benoni itself (1.d4 c5) is centuries old, but the specific move 2.c3 gained niche popularity in the late 20th century when players sought surprise weapons against well-prepared Benoni specialists. Grandmasters such as Sergei Tiviakov and Vadim Zvjaginsev have occasionally used the line to sidestep mainstream theory. In online rapid and blitz, 2.c3 is a favourite of strong practical players who appreciate its solidity and the way it denies Black’s typical Benoni pawn-storm themes.
Illustrative Example
The following (short) sample game shows a typical French-type transposition:
After 15 moves the position resembles an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) struggle rather than a Benoni—illustrating how 2.c3 can steer the game into quieter waters.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the early 1990s, correspondence master John van der Wijer scored an 80 % success rate with 2.c3, inspiring a brief wave of adoption in Dutch club circles.
- Because the structure after 2.c3 often mirrors the French Advance (e4–d4 vs. e6–d5) with colors reversed, some opening manuals jokingly list the line under “French Defence—Played a Move Too Soon.”
- Modern engines evaluate the starting position after 1.d4 c5 2.c3 as roughly +0.30 for White—small but persistent, reflecting the extra space and solidity.
- The move 2.c3 keeps the game completely in White’s hands; Black has no direct gambit to complicate matters, which is why some Benoni aficionados avoid 1…c5 altogether when they know their opponent is a 2.c3 devotee.
Summary
Old Benoni 2.c3 is a flexible sideline that neutralises Black’s dynamic ambitions and invites transpositions into more familiar, strategic structures. While it seldom appears at elite level, it is a powerful practical choice for players who enjoy solid centres, French-style pawn chains, and the psychological edge of taking opponents out of their comfort zone as early as move 2.