Chess Openings

Benko Gambit Declined: Main Line

ECO A57 · Benko Gambit Declined

The Benko Gambit Declined: Main Line (A57) is a chess opening in the Benko Gambit Declined family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nf3.

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nf3

About this opening

The Main Line of the Declined Benko (4.Nf3) simply declines the pawn to develop a piece and keep flexibility. White avoids the complications of acceptance and aims for sound play, often transposing into Benoni structures or playing a4 later to question b5. It is the most natural way to meet the Benko without entering its specific theory.

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