Taimanov Attack (Benoni)

Taimanov Attack (Benoni)

Definition

The Taimanov Attack in the Modern Benoni is a sharp system for White characterized by the early thrust f2–f4 followed by Bb5+ to provoke concessions in Black’s queenside development. It typically arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4, and then 8. Bb5+. Named after Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov, this line aims to clamp down on Black’s thematic ...b5 counterplay and prepare e4–e5. In ECO classification it is usually listed under A67 (Modern Benoni: Taimanov Variation).

Typical move order

A main starting sequence is:

Notes:

• 8. Bb5+ is the hallmark check; Black often replies 8...Nfd7 (keeping the c8–bishop flexible). Alternatives include 8...Bd7 and 8...Nbd7.
• 9. a4 is a common clamp to make ...b5 harder to achieve.
• Black’s standard regrouping is ...Na6–c7 with ...Re8 and ...Rb8 to prepare ...b5.

Strategic ideas

For White:

• Space and central clamp: f4 supports e4–e5, cramping Black’s kingside and central pieces.
• Queenside restraint: Bb5+ and a4 hinder ...a6–...b5, delaying Black’s main counterplay.
• Piece placement: Nf3, Bd3, Qf3/Qc2, Re1, sometimes h3 and g4 to expand if e5 is securely supported.
• Thematic break: e4–e5 is the cornerstone. Often prepared by Re1, Kh1, and careful piece coordination.

For Black:

• Counterplay on the queenside: ...Na6–c7, ...Re8, ...Rb8, and the ...b5 break are standard.
• Central pressure on e4: ...Re8, ...Nf6–d7, and sometimes ...c4 to fix the queenside structure.
• Alternative counterplay: timely ...f5 can challenge White’s center if the e5 break is overextended.
• King safety: watch for sacrifices on e5/f5 and pressure along the a2–g8 diagonal after Bd3/Qf3.

How it is used in practice

The Taimanov Attack is a principled attempt to seize the initiative against the Modern Benoni. White players employ it to force Black into a passive setup where queenside counterplay is delayed, increasing the chances that an e5 break will be decisive. Black players must know the maneuvering plans to achieve ...b5 or ...f5 in good conditions and avoid getting rolled on the kingside.

Key plans and motifs

• Prophylaxis with a4: discourages ...a6–...b5 and often forces Black into slower build-ups with ...Na6–c7 and ...Rb8.
• Central break e5: often prepared by Re1 and sometimes a rook lift via e3–h3; tactically supported by f4–f5 ideas.
• Dark-square control: Bd3 and Qf3 eye h7 and the a2–g8 diagonal; sacs on e5/f5 or pressure on h7 can appear.
• Black’s ...b5: the critical liberating break. If Black achieves it safely, counterplay flows rapidly on the queenside.
• Exchange sacrifices: Black may consider ...Rxb5 in some lines to blast open files; White may consider Bxb5/Nxb5 to deflect and clear e4–e5.

Common continuations

A typical alternative reply is 8...Bd7, after which development patterns remain similar:

White still seeks e4–e5; Black aims for ...Rb8 and ...b5 or timely ...f5.

Model structure and typical tactics

• Benoni pawn skeleton: White pawns on d5–e4–f4 vs. Black on d6–c5–g6. White has more space; Black has dynamic counterplay.
• Tactical shots on e5: after ...dxe5 fxe5, ideas like Qf3, d6 en passant, or piece sacrifices on f7/h7 can appear.
• Queenside levers: if Black achieves ...b5, the a-file and b-file open; White must be ready for ...c4 cramping the queenside minor pieces.
• King hunts: with Bd3–Qf3 battery, motifs like e5–e6 or f5 opening the g-file can lead to direct attacks on the black king.

Historical notes and significance

Mark Taimanov popularized this plan as a direct strategic refutation attempt of Black’s queenside ambitions in the Modern Benoni. The approach became a key battleground in the 1960s–1980s and remains theory-critical today. Many top grandmasters have adopted it to test Benoni players’ preparation, and it continues to appear in modern praxis at all time controls.

Practical tips

• For White: don’t rush e5 without support—aim for Re1, Kh1, and ensure f4–f5 or pieces on d2/f3 back the break.
• For Black: aim for ...Na6–c7, ...Re8, ...Rb8 and time ...b5 precisely; if queenside play is stalled, consider ...f5 to contest the center.
• Move-order awareness: if Black delays ...Bg7, White’s Bb5+ may be less effective; conversely, inaccurate ...a6 can be met strongly by a4 and clamp the queenside.

Related terms and transpositions

• Modern Benoni structures in general (ECO A60–A79).
• Benoni systems with 7. Nf3 instead of 7. f4 often transpose if White later plays f4 and Bb5+.
• Compare with the Four Pawns Attack versus the King’s Indian; the spirit of space-gaining on the kingside is similar, though structures differ.