Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System
ECO A57 ยท Benko Gambit
The Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System (A57) 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. Nc3.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3
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.