1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Benoni Defence
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6ECO A60–A79
Black meets 1.d4 with an early …c5, unbalancing the pawn structure at once. In the Modern Benoni Black accepts less central space in return for a mobile queenside majority and dynamic piece play down the long diagonal and the e-file. Sharp and double-edged.
Key ideas
- The pawn structure — White's d5 against Black's c5 — creates a queenside pawn majority for Black and a central/kingside space edge for White.
- Black's plan is the …b5 break and pressure with the g7-bishop; White plays for e4-e5 and a kingside push.
- It's one of the most combative answers to 1.d4 — Black plays for a win, not just equality.
Who it suits
Aggressive players who'll take an unbalanced, risky position for real winning chances against 1.d4.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Benoni Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer