Benoni Defense: Old Benoni
ECO A44 ยท Benoni Defense
The Benoni Defense: Old Benoni (A44) is a chess opening in the Benoni Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 c5 2. d5 e5.
Moves: 1. d4 c5 2. d5 e5
About this opening
The Old Benoni (1.d4 c5 2.d5 e5) closes the center at once: Black locks the structure and prepares a maneuvering struggle, often with ...d6, ...g6 and an ...f5 push on the kingside. The downside is a certain lack of piece play and the d5 square ceded to White. More rigid than the Modern Benoni, this historical form favors solidity over dynamism.