Schofman Variation - Benko Gambit decline
Schofman Variation
Definition
The Schofman Variation is a specific way for White to decline the Benko (Volga) Gambit. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nf3. Instead of accepting Black’s pawn sacrifice with 4. cxb5, White simply develops the king’s knight, keeping the central pawn chain intact and avoiding the sharp, pawn-down structures characteristic of the Accepted Benko.
Typical Move Order
Most commonly the line begins:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 c5
- 3. d5 b5 (the Benko Gambit)
- 4. Nf3 (Schofman Variation)
Black has several replies, the chief ones being:
- 4… g6 – continuing typical Benko development.
- 4… bxc4 – grabbing the c-pawn, usually met by 5. Nc3.
- 4… e6 – transposing to a Czech Benoni–type structure.
- 4… d6 or 4… a6 – flexible waiting moves.
Strategic Ideas
The Schofman Variation alters the usual Benko dynamics in several ways:
- Solid central grip – By declining the pawn, White keeps the broad pawn chain d5–c4, claiming space and limiting Black’s queenside counterplay.
- Fast development – Nf3, g3, Bg2 and sometimes a quick e4 allow White to reach a harmonious King’s-Indian-type setup, but with the extra space of the advanced d-pawn.
- Reduced gambit compensation – Black never gets the open a- and b-files for heavy pieces that are the soul of standard Benko play.
- Benoni transpositions – Depending on Black’s reply, the game can slide into Czech Benoni or Modern Benoni territory, where theoretical knowledge is different from pure Benko lines.
Historical Notes
The line is named after IM Yair Schofman, an Israeli master and theoretician who analysed and popularised it in the 1970s. His investigations showed that White could obtain a risk-free edge without entering the murky, pawn-down endings that often favour seasoned Benko specialists. The variation quickly became a favourite among positional players who wanted to neutralise the gambit without memorising long forcing sequences.
Illustrative Game
Below is a short model showing typical piece placement for both sides:
White delays pawn captures until it is tactically convenient (8. cxb5), then completes development rapidly. Black never achieves the textbook Benko pressure along the a- and b-files, while White enjoys a comfortable plus in space and activity.
Practical Tips
- Don’t rush with cxb5. Keep the tension; capturing only when it gains time (…a6 inserted) is usually best.
- Fianchetto the g-bishop. The g2-bishop is the cornerstone of White’s setup, eyeballing the long diagonal and supporting e4 breaks.
- Watch out for …exd5 breaks. If Black plays …e6, be ready to recapture with a piece to maintain a space advantage.
- Endgames favour White. With equal material and more territory, simplified positions often tilt in White’s favour.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmasters Viktor Korchnoi and Gata Kamsky both used the Schofman Variation as a practical weapon in World-class events, appreciating its mix of solidity and latent aggression.
- Computer engines rate the immediate pawn grab (4. cxb5) as roughly equal, but practical statistics show that club players score noticeably better with the Schofman decline-and-develop approach.
- Some databases list 4. Nf3 under the heading “Benko Gambit Declined: Schofman Variation,” while others group it under the “Old Benoni,” illustrating how the line often sidesteps mainstream Benko theory entirely.
Further Exploration
If you enjoy the underlying ideas of the Schofman Variation, you might also look at:
- Benko Gambit Declined with 4. a4 (another solid antidote)
- Czech Benoni structures arising after 4… e6
- Modern Benoni lines with an early Nf3 and g3