Benko Gambit: Nd2 Variation
ECO A58 ยท Benko Gambit
The Benko Gambit: Nd2 Variation (A58) is a chess opening in the Benko Gambit family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
About this opening
The Nd2 Variation handles the Benko Gambit prophylactically: after the fianchetto, White plays Nd2 to reroute the knight to c4 or b3, reinforce the queenside and keep the extra pawn safe. The idea is to cushion Black's pressure on the open files before it becomes troublesome. It is a patient approach, typical of the struggle against the Benko's compensation.