Benko Gambit Accepted: Modern Variation
ECO A57 ยท Benko Gambit Accepted
The Benko Gambit Accepted: Modern Variation (A57) is a chess opening in the Benko Gambit Accepted family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. e3.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. e3
About this opening
The Modern Variation (5.e3) is a sober response to the Benko: rather than taking the second pawn, White props up the d5 pawn and develops the pieces calmly, often returning the pawn for a sound structure. The idea is to defuse Black's queenside pressure by denying the Benko its open files. It is a pragmatic approach, favored by positional players.