Benko Gambit Accepted: Fianchetto Variation
ECO A58 ยท Benko Gambit Accepted
The Benko Gambit Accepted: Fianchetto Variation (A58) is a chess opening in the Benko Gambit Accepted family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3
About this opening
Within the fully accepted Benko, the Fianchetto Variation places the king's bishop on g2 (g3, Bg2, Nf3) to control the long diagonal and temper Black's a6 bishop. White forgoes aggressive material defense for a harmonious, safe structure. It is the soundest road to hold the extra pawn without exposure to the typical Benko assaults on the queenside.