Old Benoni: 2.e3

Old Benoni: 2.e3

Definition

The line 1.d4 c5 2.e3 in the Old Benoni Defence is a quiet, flexible system for White. Instead of occupying the center immediately with 2.c4 or 2.Nf3, White shores up the d-pawn with the modest pawn move e2-e3, preparing to develop the king’s bishop, keep the position solid, and retain options to advance either c2-c4 or f2-f4 later. Because the move 2.e3 does not challenge Black’s c-pawn right away, it leads to more positional and maneuvering struggles than the sharper Modern Benoni (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5).

Typical Move-Order

The opening usually begins:

• 1. d4 c5 – the Old Benoni Defence.
• 2. e3 – the subject of this entry.

After 2.e3, Black’s main replies are:

1. 2…cxd4 3.exd4 d5, transposing to structures that resemble the French Defence’s Exchange Variation.
2. 2…Nf6, keeping tension and waiting to decide on …d5 or …e6.
3. 2…e6, a direct transposition to certain French-type positions if White plays c2-c4 later.

Strategic Ideas

• Solid Center: By defending d4 with the e-pawn, White prevents early …cxd4 from damaging the pawn structure. The center is kept intact and flexible.
• Bishop Development: The f1-bishop can develop to d3, e2, or even b5+ in some variations. Unlike in many Queen’s Pawn openings, this bishop gets out before the central structure is fully fixed.
• Transpositional Weapon: White can steer the game toward a French Exchange structure (after c2-c4 & d4xc5 lines), a reversed Sicilian, or even a Colle-Zukertort setup (Nf3, Bd3, O-O, b3/Bb2).
• Reduced Theory: Because 2.e3 is rarely seen in elite practice, detailed computer-checked theory is limited. Club players use it to sidestep the well-analysed Modern Benoni.
• Black’s Dilemma: If Black rushes …d5, the game may become symmetrical and riskless for White; if Black plays …e6 or …g6, White may seize space with c2-c4 later.

Historical Notes

The Old Benoni itself dates back to 1825 (A. Cochrane – J. Cochrane). The 2.e3 line, however, gained attention much later as a practical surprise weapon. It has been sporadically employed by grandmasters such as Bent Larsen, Levon Aronian (in rapid/blitz), and Jan-Timman. Because it often transposes, the line seldom appears in databases under its own ECO code (A43-A44) and is therefore under-represented in opening literature.

Model Game

Below is a concise illustration showing typical plans for both sides. White keeps a small space advantage while Black strives for queenside counterplay.

[[Pgn| 1.d4 c5 2.e3 Nf6 3.Nf3 e6 4.c4 d5 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.a3 cxd4 7.exd4 Be7 8.c5 Ne4 9.Bd3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 b6 11.cxb6 axb6 12.O-O O-O 13.Re1 Ba6 14.Bc2 Qc7 15.Re3 Rfc8 16.h4 h6 17.h5 Bd6 18.Bd3 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 Na5 20.Ne5 Bxe5 21.Rxe5 Nc4 22.Re2 Nd6 23.Re3 Ne4 24.Bd2 Nxd2 25.Qxd2| fen| r1r3k1/2q2pp1/1p2p2p/n1p4P/3P4/P1P2RP1/2Q2P2/R5K1 b - - 0 25| arrows|c6d4,d4b3|squares|d4 ]]

Plans for Both Sides

• White
  • Develop smoothly: Nf3, Bd3, Nbd2, O-O.
  • Push c2-c4 at the right moment to contest the c-file and gain queenside space.
  • Prepare a kingside expansion with f2-f4 in some lines (especially if Black castles kingside).
• Black
  • Break in the center with …d5 or …e5 when favorable.
  • Target the d4-pawn if White delays c2-c4.
  • Fianchetto the queen’s bishop (…b6 and …Bb7) to put pressure on the e4-square once White plays Nc3 & e3.

Famous Examples

• Larsen – Timman, Wijk aan Zee 1980 1.d4 c5 2.e3 Nf6 3.Nf3 e6 4.c4 … Larsen steered into an English-type middlegame and eventually out-maneuvered Timman in 47 moves.
• Aronian – Giri, Blitz World Championship 2017 Aronian used 2.e3 as a surprise weapon, quickly achieved a pleasant French-Exchange structure, and converted a small edge in the ending.

Practical Tips

1. Do not rush c2-c4. Often 4.c4 is best played after completing kingside development so that …cxd4 is met by Nxd4 or exd4 without losing coordination.
2. Watch the light-squared bishop. If it stays on c1 too long, White’s game can become cramped; plan early Bd3 or Bb5+.
3. Keep an eye on e5 breaks. After …Nc6 & …d6, Black may strike with …e5 opening the f8-bishop.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 2.e3 is sometimes nicknamed “The Patient Benoni” among club players because White deliberately postpones the customary central advance c2-c4.
• Bent Larsen reportedly chose 2.e3 in a simultaneous exhibition, explaining to spectators that he wanted “a position both sides could play for a win without memorizing books.”
• Because most databases sort 2.e3 games under Queen’s Pawn or English transpositions, statisticians often miss that its practical score for White is close to 55%—one of the best results against the Old Benoni.

Summary

The Old Benoni 2.e3 line is an under-explored yet strategically rich system. It avoids heavy theory, offers sound development, and gives White multiple transpositional pathways, making it an ideal weapon for creative or surprise-seeking players.