Old Benoni: Czech 3.c4 d6 4.e4

Old Benoni: Czech Variation (3.c4 d6 4.e4)

Definition

The Czech Variation of the Old Benoni arises after the moves 1.d4 c5 2.d5 e5 3.c4 d6 4.e4. Black combines the early …e5 with …d6, creating an iron–clad pawn chain d6–e5 that resembles the structure of the Czech Benoni (normally reached via 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 e5). Because Black omits …Nf6 and White’s knight is still on g1, both sides enjoy unique move-order options and transpositional possibilities.

Typical Move Order

Main line: 1.d4 c5 2.d5 e5 3.c4 d6 4.e4 (position after 4.e4).

Other orders can reach the same structure, e.g. 1.d4 c5 2.d5 d6 3.c4 e5 4.e4 or 1.d4 c5 2.d5 e5 3.Nc3 d6 4.e4 g6 5.c4.

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Chain Battle: White’s chain d5–e4 confronts Black’s chain d6–e5. Each side will attack the head of the opponent’s chain (Black prepares …f5 or …b5; White eyes f4 or c5).
• Space vs. Solidity: White enjoys extra space in the centre and on the queenside, but Black’s structure is robust and hard to break.
• Knight Outposts: The squares c5 (for White) and f4 (for Black) are typical knight posts once the corresponding pawn advances.
• Slow-Burn Plans: Unlike the razor-sharp Modern Benoni, the Czech setup encourages maneuvering, gradual pawn breaks, and piece re-grouping.

Main Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Break with f2–f4 or c4–c5, sometimes later e4–e5.
  • Queenside expansion via a2–a3, b2–b4, and c4–c5.
  • Place a knight on c4 or e3, double rooks on the d-file, and prepare a kingside pawn storm if Black castles short.
• Black
  • Counter with …f5 (the most thematic) or …b5 to undermine White’s centre.
  • Develop with …g6, …Bg7, …Ne7, …0-0 and prepare …f5.
  • If White castles short, consider a timely …f4 followed by a kingside clamp; if White castles long, strike on the queenside with …a6 and …b5.

Historical Perspective

The Old Benoni (1…c5) is centuries old, but the “Czech” structure gained popularity in the mid-20th century when Czech masters such as Karel Opočenský and Salo Flohr explored similar setups against 1.d4. Modern grandmasters—most notably Viktor Kortchnoi—have occasionally adopted the line to avoid the heavy theory of the Modern Benoni while aiming for a solid yet dynamic middlegame.

Illustrative Game

Kortchnoi’s handling of the variation in his veterans’ encounter with Mark Taimanov (Leningrad, 1956) remains a model demonstration:

Tactical Motifs to Remember

• …f5 Break-Overs: After …f5, if White captures en passant (exf5), tactics on the e-file or against g2 can appear.
• e4–e5 Sacrifices: White sometimes sacrifices a pawn with e4-e5, opening lines for pieces when Black’s king still lurks in the centre.
• Exchange on g4/f4: Black’s knight hop to f4 or bishop to g4 can unleash pins on e2 or h3 forks.

Common Transpositions

• Into the Czech Benoni: 1.d4 c5 2.d5 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 e5.
• Into the King’s Indian Defense if Black plays …Nf6, …g6, and …Bg7 before …c5.
• Into a Benko-style structure after …b5 pawn sacrifice.

Famous Practitioners

• Viktor Kortchnoi – employed the line as Black in the 1950s-80s.
• Richard Rapport – modern grandmaster who sometimes revives off-beat Benoni structures.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the line often begins 1…c5 without …Nf6, it can be used as an anti-Benko Gambit weapon: players who fear allowing 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5!? can start with 1…c5 and steer the game into the Czech setup instead.
• Engine evaluations at low depth frequently dislike Black’s space deficit, but strong engines at higher depth reveal resilient defensive resources and dynamic counter-chances.
• The structure has appeared in correspondence chess, where Black scores a respectable 48 %—evidence of its soundness in perfect-information play.

Who Should Play It?

Ideal for players who:

• Enjoy strategic manoeuvring and are patient enough to wait for the right pawn break.
• Prefer to avoid heavily analysed Modern Benoni lines but still want an asymmetrical pawn structure.
• Are comfortable with slightly cramped positions in exchange for a rock-solid centre.

Sample Memory Aid

“d6 + e5 = Czech chain; aim for …f5 or …b5, keep the kings safe, and untangle the minor pieces before launching the counter-strike.”