1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Old Benoni
1.d4 c5 2.d5ECO A43–A44
Black challenges the centre immediately with …c5; after 2.d5 the game takes on a Benoni character with a fixed central chain. Offbeat and space-conceding, it plays for the …e6 and …f5 breaks and piece activity.
Key ideas
- The fixed d5 pawn cramps Black but hands them clear pawn-break targets in …e6 and …f5.
- Black fianchettoes with …g6, …Bg7 and pressures White's centre and queenside.
- White's extra space is an asset only if the breaks are kept under control.
Who it suits
Players who want an offbeat, unbalancing answer to 1.d4 with clear pawn-break plans.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Old Benoni move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer