Old Benoni: 2.d5 e6 3.c4
Old Benoni: 2.d5 e6 3.c4
Definition
The line beginning 1.d4 c5 2.d5 e6 3.c4 is a branch of the Old Benoni Defence (ECO codes A43–A44). After Black’s provocative 1…c5 and White’s advance 2.d5, Black immediately strikes the d-pawn’s base with 2…e6 instead of the more modern 2…Nf6. White replies 3.c4, buttressing the advanced d-pawn and seizing further space. The position can be viewed as a reversed French Defence: Black has played …c5 and …e6 against White’s pawn chain d5–c4, while being a tempo down compared to a normal French.
Typical Move-Order Options
- 3…exd5 4.cxd5 d6 5.Nc3 g6 6.e4 Bg7 – transposes to Modern Benoni-type positions but with …e6 already played.
- 3…Nf6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 – keeps more tension; Black may aim for …g6 and …Bg7 or …Be7 and a later …b5 break.
- 3…b5!? – the Sniper/Polish attempt, an immediate queenside thrust that can catch the unprepared.
- 3…d6 (without …exd5) – keeps the centre closed and resembles a King’s Indian structure.
Strategic Themes
- Space vs. Flexibility – White enjoys more central and queenside space (pawns on d5 & c4) but must prevent Black’s freeing breaks.
- Key pawn breaks
- White: e2-e4 (supporting d5), b2-b4-b5 (expansion), f2-f4-f5 (kingside clamp).
- Black: …exd5 to undermine d5, …b5 to chip at c4, …f5 or …f7-f5 in King’s Indian setups, and the eventual thematic …b5-b4.
- Piece placement – White often develops with Nc3, Nf3, e4, Bd3 or Be2, while Black’s pieces head to g7 (after …g6), Nf6, and sometimes a queenside knight reroute via d7-e5-g6.
- Reversed French comparison – The structure teaches French players the value (or danger) of the extra tempo: the side with the space advantage must avoid becoming over-extended, whereas the cramped side seeks timely pawn breaks.
Historical Notes
The name “Benoni” comes from Aaron Reinganum’s 1825 book Ben-Oni, or the Defense against Gambits and Irregular Openings. “Ben Oni” is Hebrew for “son of my sorrow,” reflecting the author’s fragile health rather than any judgement on the opening! The Old Benoni (1…c5) predates the Modern Benoni (…c5 and …e6 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5). The specific 2…e6 line was popularised in the early 20ᵗʰ century by Aron Nimzowitsch and later revived by Bent Larsen and Mikhail Tal as a surprise weapon. More recently, grandmasters such as Michael Adams and Richard Rapport have experimented with it in rapid and blitz events.
Model Game Snapshot
Adams – Rapport, Bundesliga 2016
Adams demonstrated the positional squeeze possible for White: a strong central wedge, queenside expansion with a4-a5, and kingside safety. Rapport eventually sacrificed a pawn with …b5, but White’s space and activity proved decisive in the endgame.
Common Pitfalls
- Black prematurely plays …b5? – After 4.cxb5 Nf6 5.Nc3, Black’s a8-rook and queenside squares are vulnerable.
- White neglects development – Grabbing an extra pawn with 4.dxe6? can backfire after 4…fxe6 when Black’s rooks flood the f-file.
- Misplacing the dark-squared bishop – For White, Bd3 can be strong, but if Black has already committed …g6, the bishop may be better on e2 to avoid tempos from …c4 ideas.
Trivia & Anecdotes
- The variation is sometimes dubbed the “Franco-Benoni” because the …e6–d5 structure mirrors the French Defence.
- In the 1950s Bent Larsen liked to shock opponents by replying to 3.c4 with 3…f5!?, calling it “a kind of Dutch with colours reversed.”
- Nimzowitsch claimed the cramped side “plays with a spring inside a box” – a colourful metaphor for Black’s latent counter-punching energy.
Why Learn This Line?
Studying the Old Benoni 2…e6 helps both sides understand pawn-chain logic, prophylaxis against pawn breaks, and the importance of tempi in symmetrical structures. Its relative rarity also makes it a valuable surprise weapon in practical play.