Benko Gambit: Zaitsev Variation, Nescafe Frappe Attack
ECO A57 ยท Benko Gambit
The Benko Gambit: Zaitsev Variation, Nescafe Frappe Attack (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 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5
About this opening
This variation combines the Zaitsev System and the Nescafe Frappe Attack: after 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5, White plants an advanced knight on b5 and banks on central space and initiative rather than holding the pawn. The play is concrete and tactical, full of direct threats. It is an ambitious attempt to refute the Benko by force instead of neutralizing it.