Old Benoni: Schmidt, 3.Nc3
Old Benoni Defense – Schmidt Variation (3.Nc3)
Definition
The Schmidt Variation of the Old Benoni appears after 1. d4 c5 2. d5 Nf6 3. Nc3. By deploying the queen’s knight early, White reinforces the advanced d5-pawn, keeps the e4–e5 space-gaining push in reserve, and delays kingside development to remain flexible. The opening is catalogued in ECO as A43–A44.
Historical Background
The line is named after the 19-century German master Julius Schmidt, one of the first to champion the setup in tournament play. While the Modern Benoni (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5) eclipsed its “old” cousin in popularity, the Schmidt Variation never vanished: it is a favourite surprise weapon of creative players such as Baadur Jobava and Simon Williams.
Typical Move Order
A frequently seen sequence:
- 1. d4 c5
- 2. d5 Nf6
- 3. Nc3 e6
- 4. e4 exd5
- 5. e5 Ne4
The resulting French-like structure gives White space while Black targets the crucial e4-square.
Strategic Ideas and Plans
- White
- Maintain the d5-pawn to cramp Black’s queenside and limit ...b7-b5.
- Prepare e4–e5 (often with f2-f4 backing) to gain more space and chase the knight.
- Utilise breaks with c2-c4 or f4-f5 to open files for an attack.
- Typical set-up: Nf3, Be2/Bb5, 0-0, Re1, Bf4 or Bg5.
- Black
- Choose between a French structure (...e6 & ...d6) or a fianchetto plan (...g6 & ...Bg7).
- Fight for the e4 outpost—knights on e4 often equalise activity.
- Undermine d5 with ...b5 or ...f5 when the moment is right.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Baadur Jobava – Teimour Radjabov (online blitz, 2021)
After 19. Nxd5 White already threatens exd6 followed by c2-c4, highlighting the space-advantage and the power of the d5-knight.
Practical Tips
- If you play Black, be ready for both c2-c4 and f2-f4 systems—the pawn structure dictates whether you adopt a Kings-Indian or French-type setup.
- White should not rush e4–e5; complete development first or Black may seize the c-file and the e5 outpost.
- Endgames usually favour White thanks to extra space, but if Black trades the light-squared bishops and occupies e5, the balance can tilt.
Trivia & Anecdotes
- AlphaZero’s self-play games contained several Old Benoni experiments, lifting engine respect for the defence from “suspect” to “playable.”
- The Old Benoni was the very first opening Garry Kasparov ever studied as a child, reportedly because his coach liked its dynamic imbalance.
- ECO codes A43–A44 for the Old Benoni sit immediately before the Modern Benoni (A50–A79), making the “Old” and “Modern” brothers neighbours in the codebook.