Benoni Defense · A44
Semi-Benoni
1. d4 c5 2. d5 e5 3. e4 d6
...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... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
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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.