Old Benoni: 2.d5 Nf6 3.Nc3

Old Benoni: 2.d5 Nf6 3.Nc3

Definition

The Old Benoni Defence is a reply to 1.d4 where Black immediately challenges White’s centre with 1…c5. After 1.d4 c5 2.d5 Nf6 3.Nc3 the specific position under discussion is reached. This move-order, distinguished by the early ...Nf6 (instead of the more popular 2…e6 or 2…g6), gives the line its own character inside the Benoni family. It differs from the Modern Benoni (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5) in that the pawn on c-file has not been advanced by White, leaving different options for both sides.

Typical Ideas & Strategy

• Central Tension: Black’s c-pawn on c5 puts immediate pressure on d4/d5 and seeks to undermine White’s spatial advantage. White enjoys a strong pawn on d5 but must decide how to support it.
• Flexible Pawn Structures: Because White has not yet played c2-c4, several pawn skeletons are possible— e2-e4 with a space-grabbing centre, or c2-c4 transposing to Modern Benoni arrangements.
• Piece Play: Black’s knight on f6 eyes the e4-square, so many plans revolve around …e6 followed by …exd5 or …d6, or the immediate …g6 aiming for a King’s Indian set-up.
• Tactical Alertness: Early queen sorties (…Qa5+), pawn breaks (…b5, …e6), and minor-piece maneuvers (…Ng8–f6–e4) are common themes that require precise calculation from both players.

Move-Order Nuances

1.d4 c5 2.d5 Nf6 3.Nc3 can transpose into several systems:

1. 3…e6 – The most straightforward, often leading to structures akin to the Advance French after 4.e4 exd5 5.e5.
2. 3…d6 – Aiming for a hybrid between Old Benoni and a Pirc/King’s Indian set-up.
3. 3…g6 – Steering toward a King’s Indian Defence with the pawn already on c5.
4. 3…Qa5 – A sharp sideline exploiting the undefended d5-pawn tactically.

Historical Context

The term “Benoni” (Hebrew for “son of sorrow”) first appeared in Aaron Reinganum’s 1825 treatise Ben-Oni, oder die Vertheidigungen gegen die Gambitzüge im Schache. The Old Benoni (1…c5 without …Nf6) enjoyed sporadic popularity in the 19th century (e.g., Staunton–Horner, 1846). The sub-variation with 2…Nf6 3.Nc3 gained traction in the late 20th century when players sought surprise weapons against 1.d4, notably in Soviet circles. Although overshadowed by the dynamic Modern Benoni, it remains an occasional tool for players wanting to unbalance the game early.

Illustrative Game

The following miniature highlights typical Old Benoni themes—central pawn tension, …e6 break, and tactical play on the queenside.

Tal–Koblents, Riga 1958 (training game)
Tal demonstrates the aggressive central push e4–e5 and exploits the looseness of Black’s position after the premature …Qe7–…Qe6 maneuver.

Practical Tips

• For White: Decide early between playing e2-e4 (gaining space and closing the centre) or c2-c4 (transposing). Be on the lookout for tactical shots on d6/e5 once the pawn chain locks.
• For Black: Break with …e6 or …b5 at the right moment. Don’t allow the knight to safely arrive on b5 or d6 where it can harass your queen and rooks.
• Psychological Edge: Because the line is relatively rare, good home preparation can net quick advantages against unsuspecting opponents.

Interesting Facts

• Grandmaster Ben Finegold occasionally jokes that the Old Benoni is “so old it should retire,” yet he has used it successfully in online blitz.
• The move 3.Nc3 was once considered inaccurate because of 3…b5!?, but modern engines show that the pawn sacrifice doesn’t quite work for Black.
• In correspondence chess the line has scored surprisingly well for Black thanks to deep engine-backed preparation in the …e6 structures.