Old Benoni Schmidt: 3.e4 Nf6

Old Benoni: Schmidt, 3.e4 Nf6

Definition

The Old Benoni: Schmidt Variation arises after the moves
1. d4 c5 2. d5 e6 3. e4 Nf6.
It is a branch of the Old Benoni Defence in which White immediately erects a broad pawn centre with d4-d5 and e2-e4, while Black counters by developing the king’s knight to f6 and preparing …exd5 or …d6 to undermine the centre. The line is named after the German theoretician Louis Schmidt, who analysed the set-up in the early 20th century.

Typical Move Order

The Schmidt Variation usually starts from the Old Benoni tabiya (1. d4 c5 2. d5) but can also be reached from French-Defence move orders (1. e4 e6 2. d4 c5 3. d5). A concise illustrative sequence is shown below:

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: White’s pawns on d5 and e4 claim space and restrict Black’s minor pieces. Black aims to challenge the centre with …exd5, …d6, or …b5.
• Benoni vs. French Hybrid: The pawn structure may resemble a French Defence when Black trades on d5, or a Modern Benoni after …d6 and …g6. Both players must be alert to transpositions.
• Piece Activity vs. Pawn Chain: Black often concedes spatial disadvantage in return for rapid development (…Bb4+, …Re8, …d6) and pressure on d5. White strives for kingside expansion with f2-f4, Nf3-g5, and sometimes a direct pawn storm if Black castles short.
• Isolated or Hanging Pawns: After early exchanges in the centre, either side may inherit an IQP on d4/d5 or hanging pawns on c- and d-files, steering the game into typical middlegame plans from those structures.

Typical Plans for White

• Support the pawn wedge with Nc3, f2-f4 and possibly g2-g4, launching a kingside initiative.
• Maintain the space advantage and restrict Black’s minor pieces (especially the dark-squared bishop).
• Prepare e4-e5 in positions where Black has not yet captured on d5, gaining further space and driving the knight from f6.
• Exploit the semi-open f-file after castling kingside (Rf1) or consider queenside castling for sharper attacks.

Typical Plans for Black

• Break the centre with …exd5 followed by …d6 or …g6, targeting the pawn chain at its base.
• Develop actively: …Bb4+, …Re8, …Nxe4 ideas if White allows tactical shots on the e4-pawn.
• Counterattack on the queenside with …b5 and …a6, echoing thematic Modern Benoni play.
• Consider an early …c4 to fix the pawn on d5 and gain outposts for the knight on d3 or b3.

Historical Background

The Old Benoni itself (1. d4 c5) predates the hyper-modern Modern Benoni (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5), yet it has always been a sideline at top level. Louis Schmidt’s early analyses (published in German periodicals circa 1913) demonstrated that after an early e2-e4 White could maintain the big centre without falling into a passive French-type structure.
Although never a mainstay of elite play, the variation has served as a potent surprise weapon. Creative players such as Michael Basman and Bent Larsen occasionally employed it in the 1970s–80s, while modern practitioners include online rapid specialists who value its imbalance from the very first moves.

Illustrative Games

1. Basman – Rogers, London 1982
   A textbook illustration of White’s kingside pawn storm. Basman sacrificed a pawn with f4-f5, opened lines, and mated on the h-file.
   
   
2. Larsen – Petrosian, Bled 1961
   A strategic battle where Petrosian adopted a French-style structure with …d6 and neutralised the centre, later winning an endgame with the superior minor piece.
   
   

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Schmidt Variation can be seen as a “reverse French Defence” where Black, not White, strikes with …c5 on move 1.
• Because the line is under-explored in traditional opening manuals, many modern players explore it through engine analysis and online blitz experience, leading to a rich body of fresh ideas.
• World Champion Alexander Alekhine reportedly analysed the set-up for a planned surprise in his 1934 title defence, but ultimately decided the position was “too wild” for a match situation.
• Practical statistics on major databases show a near-50 % score for White in classical games, but Black performs noticeably better in rapid and blitz—perhaps reflecting the counter-punching nature of the opening.

When to Choose the Schmidt Variation

Opt for this line if you

• Enjoy asymmetrical pawn structures right from the start.
• Are comfortable with positions that can transpose into the French, Modern Benoni, or even King’s Indian structures.
• Wish to surprise opponents who rely heavily on mainstream Benoni or French-Defence theory.

Summary

The Old Benoni: Schmidt (3.e4 Nf6) is an off-beat yet strategically rich weapon. White seizes space; Black seeks dynamic counterplay. Because the theory is lighter than in mainstream defences, understanding the typical pawn structures and plans is more important than rote memorisation—a refreshing prospect for creative players on either side of the board.