1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Benoni, Fianchetto Variation
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 g6 7.g3ECO A62–A64
White meets the Modern Benoni by fianchettoing the king's bishop, blunting Black's long-diagonal bishop and taking the sting out of the usual …b5 and …f5 breaks. A calm, positional anti-Benoni that plays for a small, durable edge rather than a tactical brawl.
Key ideas
- The g3/Bg2 setup contests the long diagonal that Black's Benoni bishop lives on.
- White develops solidly (Nf3, O-O, Nd2–c4) and pressures the d6-pawn and the queenside.
- Black still seeks …b5 and …f5 counterplay, but with the fianchetto it's less effective.
Who it suits
1.d4 players who want a solid, positional way to face the Modern Benoni.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Benoni, Fianchetto Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer