Benoni Defense · A43
Benoni-Indian Defense, Kingside Move Order
1. d4 c5 2. d5 Nf6 3. Nf3
...c5 and ...e6 tempt d5, then Black gets a queenside majority and the half-open e-file: ...b5 is the eternal break, White's is e4-e5.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve. Theory calls this the Old Benoni.
- 2. d5 Pushes on to d5 - grabbing space and fixing the centre, and the queen breathes.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Benoni-Indian Defense.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 1 more move in this line, 5 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 62 in the Benoni Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.