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The Benoni is one of the most popular, most interesting, most aggressive, and, at the same time, riskiest defenses black could choose to play against d4. For an introduction to the opening, watch this video on the basics: [ Ссылка ]
Its name has come from the Hebrew term “Ben Oni”, meaning son of sorrow, which depicts the defense perfectly. It can lead to quick, interesting wins, but it can also horribly backfire and you could get punished very quickly.
It is an imbalanced defense in which equality is seldom achieved. It’s ambitious. Black doesn’t aim to equalize, he aims to be better! It’s a counter attacking system, in which black is trying to develop his pieces and strike, fighting black head on, without waiting for him to exploit the weaknesses which arise from playing it.
The Benoni is a very pattern heavy opening, meaning that general knowledge and being familiar with weaknesses, plans, strengths, attacking plans, piece maneuvers, and pawn breaks is going to help you play the position even if you don’t know the exact move order. That is very good for developing players, as it allows you to adapt even if your opponent has deviated from the main line theory.
The Modern Benoni is the most popular of the four different systems that black could go for. It is considered to be the main line, at it is what the opening is really about; it features all the beautiful (but dangerous) plans for both sides, thematic pawn breaks, piece maneuvers, and attacks.
The bad news for black is that white is the one who gets to choose the variation played, and thus often determining the nature of the position.
There are 10 most common variations of the Modern Benoni. I have covered all of them in the video. Next to each, you cand find the moves that characterize it.
Classical Variation: e4, Nf3, Be2
Modern Variation: h3, Bd3, e4, Nf3
Fianchetto Variation: Nf3, g3, Bg2
Mikenas Attack: e4, f4, e5
Taimanov Variation: e4, f4, Bb5+
Four Pawns: Nf3, Be2, 0-0, Nd2, f4
Knaak Variation: e4, Bd3, Nge2, h3, Ng3, f4
Kapengut Variation: e4, f3
Uhlmann Variation: Nf3, Bg5
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