Benko Gambit
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5
Also known as:Volga Gambit
Play Through the Opening
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Moves
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Move 12 of 12
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 (Benko Accepted, sacrificing the b-pawn for queenside pressure)
Core Ideas
Benko Gambit sacrifices b5 pawn immediately to open a-file plus b-file plus long-diagonal g7 bishop. After trades finish, Black has superior queenside piece activity plus long-term pressure. Used by Pal Benko (namesake) and revived in Kasparov era. Solid choice for players wanting dynamic play but not ready for deep Grünfeld theory.
Plan for White
Accept the gambit and hold the extra pawn. Conservative development: Nc3-Nf3-Bg2-O-O. After castling, seek piece trades plus enter endgame with material advantage.
Plan for Black
Activate bishop on a6 and g7. Develop Nbd7-Nxf6-Qa5 pressure. Long-term: pressure queenside until White capitulates or reaches draw-ish endgame. If White defends perfectly, Black loses due to material deficit.
Grandmaster Tier Context
T3 Competitive Local through T5 Master. Benko fits players wanting attacking style without King's Indian tactical chaos. Grandmaster coaches sometimes recommend Benko as alternative to Sicilian for positional-tactical hybrid style.