Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System
The a6-b5 pawn sacrifice. Pressure on a and b files.
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1. d4 › Zaitsev System
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Sequence
1.d4Nf62.c4c53.d5b54.cxb5a65.Nc3
Possible Variations2
5... axb52 variations
About this opening
The Zaitsev System (5.Nc3) declines to recapture on a6 right away and develops a piece first, keeping the tension on the queenside. White prepares e4 and energetic central play rather than enduring the classic Benko pressure. This flexible approach avoids the beaten paths of pure acceptance and poses Black move-order problems from early in the game.