Benko Gambit Declined: Sosonko Variation
ECO A57 · Benko Gambit Declined
The Benko Gambit Declined: Sosonko Variation (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. a4.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. a4
About this opening
The Sosonko Variation (4.a4) immediately challenges the b5 pawn rather than accepting it. By keeping tension on the queenside, White seeks to fix a weakness in Black's camp and deny the Benko its usual expansion. Black must decide whether to capture, push or support b5. It is a precise, positional reply that defuses the gambit at the root.