1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Benko Gambit
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5ECO A57–A59
Black sacrifices a wing pawn for long-lasting, easy-to-play pressure down the half-open a- and b-files. The initiative is positional and durable — even in the endgame — which makes it unusually low-risk for a gambit.
Key ideas
- For the pawn Black gets the open a- and b-files, a fianchettoed bishop on g7, and pressure on White's queenside.
- The compensation persists into the endgame, so Black is rarely worse even if White consolidates.
- White's main tries are accepting fully, the restrained lines with Nd2/e4, or declining with 4.Nf3.
Who it suits
Players who like a clear plan and long-term initiative more than memorising forcing lines.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Benko Gambit move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer