The Benko Gambit for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5

The Benko Gambit is a weapon for everyone who does not want to defend passively against d4 and c4 but to take the initiative at once. After d5 you sacrifice a pawn with b5 and a6. In return the a- and b-files open, where your rooks and queen put long-term pressure on a2 and b2, while your bishop on g7 rules the long diagonal. Often you trade White's bishop with Bxf1, so that the white king can no longer castle. This course is for club players who want a clear concept with recurring plans. White has four main roads: he takes everything with bxa6 – then, like most masters, you play g6 and win the pawn back later with Bxa6 –, gives the pawn back with b6, plays the Modern Variation with e3, or the Zaitsev System with Nc3 and e4 – where a sharp point with g5 awaits him. Then there are f3 and the declines Nf3, Nd2 and a4; against the last two you simply take the pawn with bxc4. Stockfish usually sees White only slightly ahead – for one pawn you get lasting play.

The ideas

The half-open a- and b-files are your capital: rooks on a8 and b8 (often with Rfb8), the queen on a5 or b6 – together they press on a2 and b2.
The bishop on g7 is your most important piece. It aims down the long diagonal at c3 and b2; a trade like Bxc3 only pays off if you win material back with it.
With Ba6 and Bxf1 you trade White's bishop; after Kxf1 White has to bring his king to safety laboriously with g3 and Kg2.
Your knights look for the squares e5, c4 and b6: Nbd7, then Ng4 and Nge5 or Nb6 – from there they disturb White's setup on the queenside.
Against White's centre on d5 the levers e6 and, if White hesitates, c4 help – that way you open further lines for your pieces.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 4.cxb5

Line 1: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.g3 O-O

4.cxb5: White accepts the gambit – the reply to b5 in three games out of four.
4…a6: This is the heart of the Benko Gambit: you offer a second pawn so that the a- and b-files open for your rooks and queen. Stockfish sees White only slightly ahead (+0.6) – for one pawn you get lasting pressure on the queenside.
5.bxa6: White takes the second pawn as well (almost half of the games). He holds on to material but gives you time to develop.
5…g6: The main move in practice: in more than half of the games Black answers g6 here. You first develop the bishop to g7 and only then win the pawn on a6 back with Bxa6. Stockfish slightly prefers e6, but g6 is the named theory and leads to the typical Benko positions with open a- and b-files.
6.Nc3: By far the most common reply (nine games out of ten): White develops and prepares e4.
6…Bxa6: Now you win the pawn back. The bishop on a6 aims at f1 – it wants to trade White's light-squared bishop as soon as White plays e4.
7.e4: The sharpest continuation: White takes the centre but allows the bishop trade on f1.
7…Bxf1: You trade at once. After the king recaptures, White can no longer castle and needs time to bring his king to safety.
8.Kxf1: The king stands on f1; White usually plans g3 and Kg2. You use this time for your development.
8…d6: A quiet move with a clear job: it supports c5 and e5 – the frame for Bg7, O-O and Nbd7.
9.Nf3: White postpones g3 – often the same positions arise with h3 and the king going to h2.
9…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 – Stockfish also mentions the queen to d7; the players choose the bishop.
10.g3: 10.g3 prepares the king move to g2 so the king is safe and the rook on h1 is freed. Stockfish sees White ahead (+0.86) – here you must play precisely.
10…O-O: You castle. White brings his king to safety with Kg2; you start the pressure on the queenside. (transposition)

Line 2: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.h3 O-O 11.Kg1 Nbd7 12.Kh2 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Re2 Ne8 15.Rc2 Nc7 16.Bg5 Nb5

up to 9…Bg7 as line 1

10.h3: With h3 White gives his king a square on h2.
10…O-O: You castle. The white king goes to h2 via g1.
11.Kg1: The king looks for its place on h2 instead of g2. Little changes for you: Nbd7, Qa5 and the rooks to the b-file.
11…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 and can continue via b6 or e5.
12.Kh2: The king stands safely on h2. Now your plan on the queenside begins.
12…Qa5: The queen on a5 presses on a2 and the knight on c3.
13.Re1: White prepares e5. Your rooks come to the b-file.
13…Rfb8: The rooks press on b2 – this is the reward for the sacrificed pawn.
14.Re2: White defends b2 with the rook. According to Stockfish the position is now nearly level.
14…Ne8: The knight regroups and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7 towards c3.
15.Rc2: The rook covers c3. Stockfish sees equality – you have full play for the pawn.
15…Nc7: The knight goes via e8 to c7 and from there to b5 – a square the open b-file secures for you.
16.Bg5: White puts the bishop on g5 and ties down your pawn on e7.
16…Nb5: 16...Nb5 attacks the knight on c3, which holds d5 and e4. Stockfish: level (+0.26) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 3: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.h3 O-O 11.Kg1 Nbd7 12.Kh2 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Qc2 Ne8 15.Bd2 Nc7

up to 13…Rfb8 as line 2

14.Qc2: White puts the queen on c2 and covers the second rank.
14…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7 – from there it covers b5 and a6 and supports the pressure on the queenside.
15.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2 and connects the rooks.
15…Nc7: The knight stands on c7 – ready for knight to b5 or knight to a6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.46); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 4: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.Nd2 Nge5 14.Qe2 Nb6 15.f4 Ned7 16.a4 Bxc3 17.bxc3 Nxa4

up to 8…d6 as line 3

9.g3: The main line: White makes room for Kg2 and so castles by hand.
9…Bg7: The bishop on g7 is your most important piece – it aims along the long diagonal at c3 and a1.
10.Kg2: White brings the king to safety with Kg2 – the castling by hand is done.
10…O-O: Both kings are safe. Now the typical Benko plan begins: knight to d7, queen to a5 or b6, rooks to the a- and b-files.
11.Nf3: White develops the last knight. Now your typical moves follow: knight to d7, queen to a5 or b6.
11…Nbd7: The knight wants to become active via b6 or e5 and covers c5 at the same time. Stockfish also likes Qb6 – the players almost always choose Nbd7.
12.Re1: White prepares e5. Stockfish considers a4 more precise – with Re1 White gives away some of his advantage.
12…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 on its way to e5. There it stands strongly, and the bishop on g7 keeps its open diagonal.
13.Nd2: White regroups the knight and wants to prepare f4 – less precise than Qe2 according to Stockfish.
13…Nge5: The knight reaches e5 – its ideal square, from which no pawn easily drives it away.
14.Qe2: White covers c4 and e4. Your second knight goes to b6.
14…Nb6: Both knights are active: the one on b6 aims at c4 and a4, the one on e5 at c4 and d3.
15.f4: Watch the pawn storm – but Stockfish rates f4 as a slip: it gives away almost all of White's advantage (roughly level afterwards). After Ned7 your knights stand well, and e4 is weakened.
15…Ned7: The knight retreats to d7. White has gained space, but e4 and e3 are weakened.
16.a4: White wants to close the queenside. Stockfish sees the position as nearly level.
16…Bxc3: 16...Bxc3 gives up the strong bishop to wreck White's queenside pawns.
17.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn; his pawns on a4 and c3 become weak.
17…Nxa4: 17...Nxa4 wins the pawn back – material is level again. Stockfish: level (+0.05) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 5: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.Nd2 Nge5 14.Qe2 Nb6 15.f4 Ned7 16.Nf3 Na4

up to 15…Ned7 as line 4

16.Nf3: White puts the knight back on f3 and covers e5 – he wants to prevent your freeing move in the centre.
16…Na4: 16...Na4 attacks the knight on c3 and aims at b2 – your knight works together with the bishop on g7.

Line 6: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.Qe2 Nge5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.f4 Nd7 16.Bd2 Qb6

up to 12…Ng4 as line 5

13.Qe2: The queen covers c4 and e4 – as inaccurate as Nd2 according to Stockfish. Your knight jumps to e5.
13…Nge5: 13...Nge5 attacks the knight on f3 and seeks a trade – the fewer pieces, the stronger your pressure on the queenside.
14.Nxe5: White trades off your strong knight on e5 – it stood centrally and eyed c4, d3 and f3.
14…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight; it stands centrally on e5.
15.f4: 15.f4 drives the knight away and gains space on the kingside.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 – via b6 it can reach c4 or a4, where it hits the weaknesses on the queenside.
16.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
16…Qb6: 16...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file against b2 – together with the rooks she presses on the queenside.

Line 7: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.Qe2 Nge5 14.Nd2

up to 13…Nge5 as line 6

14.Nd2: 14.Nd2 avoids the trade and keeps more pieces on the board. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.69); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 8: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.Re2 Qa5 14.Bg5 Bxc3 15.bxc3 f6

up to 12…Ng4 as line 7

13.Re2: White puts the rook on e2 to cover the second rank.
13…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
14.Bg5: 14.Bg5 attacks e7 but pins nothing – the bishop stands inaccurately there and will be driven away with tempo.
14…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and weaken White's pawns – the pawn on c3 becomes a lasting target for your rooks.
15.bxc3: White recaptures; the doubled pawns on c3 and c4 become targets.
15…f6: 15...f6 drives the bishop from g5 and covers e5 – your kingside stays solid.

Line 9: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Re1 Ng4 13.h3 Nge5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.f4 Nc4

up to 12…Ng4 as line 8

13.h3: 13.h3 drives the knight from g4 before it jumps to e5 and eyes c4 and d3.
13…Nge5: The knight jumps to e5 and offers a trade – every trade takes attacking power from White and leaves your pressure.
14.Nxe5: White trades off your knight on e5 before it jumps to c4 or d3.
14…Nxe5: You recapture with the other knight – again a knight stands strongly on e5.
15.f4: 15.f4 drives the knight from e5 and gains space – but the square e4 becomes weaker.
15…Nc4: 15...Nc4 jumps to the outpost c4, which the half-open b-file secures for you. Stockfish: level (+0.04) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 10: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Re2 Ne8 15.Rc2 Nc7

up to 11…Nbd7 as line 9

12.h3: A cautious move: White takes the square g4 away from your knight.
12…Qa5: The queen goes to the a-file, presses on a2 and prepares Rfb8.
13.Re1: White prepares e5, but Stockfish finds it inaccurate. Your rooks come to the b-file.
13…Rfb8: Both rooks belong on the half-open files: Rfb8 and later the other rook on a8 or b7 – this is the pressure you gave the pawn for.
14.Re2: White defends with the rook on the second rank – passive according to Stockfish; the evaluation drops clearly.
14…Ne8: The knight regroups and heads for b5 via c7. At the same time it opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7.
15.Rc2: The rook goes to c2 and covers the second rank – b2 and a2 need protection against your rooks.
15…Nc7: The knight heads via e8 to c7 – from there it covers b5 and a6 and supports the pressure on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.21) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 11: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Re2 Ne8 15.Bg5 Bxc3

up to 14…Ne8 as line 10

15.Bg5: 15.Bg5 attacks e7 and wants to tie your pieces to its defence.
15…Bxc3: You trade on c3 – the pawn on c3 and the dark squares become weak. Stockfish: level (-0.15) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 12: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Re2 Ne8 15.Qc2 Bd4

up to 14…Ne8 as line 11

15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
15…Bd4: 15...Bd4 places the bishop centrally and indirectly attacks c3. Stockfish: level (+0.17) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 13: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.e5 dxe5 15.Nxe5 Nxe5 16.Rxe5 Rb7 17.Qf3 Ne8 18.Re2 Nd6

up to 13…Rfb8 as line 12

14.e5: White opens the centre. With dxe5 and the trades on e5 you simplify; Stockfish sees the position as nearly level afterwards.
14…dxe5: You recapture. After the trades on e5 the position is nearly level.
15.Nxe5: White takes with the knight. You trade it off.
15…Nxe5: You trade the knights – your rooks on the b-file get even stronger.
16.Rxe5: The white rook stands actively on e5. You double your rooks on the queenside.
16…Rb7: The rook protects the seventh rank and prepares the doubling.
17.Qf3: White puts the queen on f3 and attacks the knight on f6.
17…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and on to d6 – there it blockades and attacks c4 and b5.
18.Re2: White pulls the rook back to e2 and covers the second rank against your rooks on the b-file.
18…Nd6: 18...Nd6 blockades the passed pawn on d5 – a knight is the best blockader. Stockfish: level (+0.22) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 14: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.e5 dxe5 15.Nxe5 Nxe5 16.Rxe5 Rb7 17.Qe2 Qd8

up to 16…Rb7 as line 13

17.Qe2: The queen goes to e2: it covers e4 and the second rank and supports e5.
17…Qd8: 17...Qd8 sets the queen against the pawn on d5 and covers the kingside.

Line 15: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.h3 Qa5 13.Re1 Rfb8 14.Qc2 c4 15.Bf4 Nc5

up to 13…Rfb8 as line 14

14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…c4: 14...c4 gives the knight the square c5 and the bishop the diagonal.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
15…Nc5: 15...Nc5 jumps to c5, eyeing d3 and b3. Stockfish: level (+0.29) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 16: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.a4 Ra6 13.Qc2 Qa8 14.Nb5 Rc8 15.Bd2 c4

up to 11…Nbd7 as line 15

12.a4: 12.a4 holds up your queenside pressure and gives the knight the square b5.
12…Ra6: 12...Ra6 prepares the typical battery with the queen on a8.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
13…Qa8: 13...Qa8 – queen behind rook on the a-file: the classic Benko picture against a4.
14.Nb5: The knight occupies b5 – from there it attacks d6 and c7 and keeps your rooks off the b-file.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and prepares c4 – your c-pawn is to open the way for the knight to c5 and d3.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
15…c4: 15...c4 gives the knight c5 – from there it attacks a4. Stockfish: level (+0.11) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 17: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.a4 Ra6 13.Qc2 Qa8 14.Ra3 e6 15.dxe6 fxe6

up to 13…Qa8 as line 16

14.Ra3: 14.Ra3 covers a4 once more against your battery on the a-file.
14…e6: 14...e6 opens the centre against the pawn on d5 – after the trade your pieces become more active.
15.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
15…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and get the half-open f-file. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.77); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 18: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.a4 Qb6 13.Qe2 Rfb8 14.Bd2 Qa6 15.Nb5 Nb6

up to 12.a4 as line 17

12…Qb6: 12...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file against b2 – the typical pressure in the Benko.
13.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2 and covers b2 from the side.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
14…Qa6: 14...Qa6 offers a queen trade – in the endgame your pressure often makes up for the pawn.
15.Nb5: The knight goes to b5 and blocks your b-file; it also attacks d6.
15…Nb6: 15...Nb6 attacks the pawn on a4 – the weakness White has after a4.

Line 19: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Qe2 Qa5 13.Qc2 Ng4 14.a4 Rfb8 15.Bd2 Qb4

up to 11…Nbd7 as line 18

12.Qe2: The queen goes to e2: it covers e4 and the second rank and supports e5.
12…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen on a5.
13…Ng4: 13...Ng4 opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and heads for e5.
14.a4: 14.a4 secures b5 for the knight and keeps your rooks off the b-file.
14…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
15…Qb4: 15...Qb4 attacks the knight on c3 and the pawn on a4. Stockfish: level (+0.28) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 20: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nf3 Qc8 12.Re1 Qb7 13.a4 Na6 14.Qe2 Nc7 15.Rb1 h6

up to 11.Nf3 as line 19

11…Qc8: The queen leaves d8 and heads for b7 – from there she presses on d5 and along the b-file on b2.
12.Re1: After king to g2 the square h1 is free: the rook comes to e1, supports the pawn on e4 and prepares e5.
12…Qb7: The queen stands on b7 – she attacks the pawn on d5 and eyes b2 along the open b-file.
13.a4: 13.a4 takes the square b5 from your pieces; White later wants to put a knight on b5.
13…Na6: The knight on b8 comes into play via a6 – it wants to go on to c7 or b4.
14.Qe2: The queen comes to e2, covers e4 and eyes your knight on a6 along the diagonal; your queen and rook cover it.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7, out of the queen's diagonal – from there it attacks d5 a third time and covers b5.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 behind the pawn on b2 – it covers it against your queen and later supports b4.
15…h6: 15...h6 gives your king air and takes the square g5 from the bishop on c1 – you are ready for the pressure on the queenside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.76).

Line 21: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.Nge2 Nbd7 12.Qc2 Qb6 13.Rb1 Rfb8 14.b3 Qa6 15.h3 Rb4

up to 10…O-O as line 20

11.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – inaccurate according to Stockfish, because it has less influence on e5 there.
11…Nbd7: Your knight comes to d7, as usual.
12.Qc2: The queen covers c3 and prepares the rook play. You go with the queen to a5 and with the rooks to the b-file.
12…Qb6: 12...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.b3: 14.b3 protects c4 and keeps the b-file closed – White takes the target b2 from your rooks.
14…Qa6: The queen goes to a6 and attacks the knight on e2 – she pins it to the king.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3 and gives the king air on h2 – he gets it out of the pin.
15…Rb4: 15...Rb4 puts the rook on the fourth rank against e4. Stockfish: level (+0.25) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 22: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.f4 Nbd7 12.Nf3 Ra6 13.Re1 Qa8 14.Qe2 Ne8 15.a4 Nc7

up to 10…O-O as line 21

11.f4: 11.f4 builds a big centre and plans e5 – White plays against your knight on f6 and the king.
11…Nbd7: The knight comes via d7 – it watches e5 and can go to b6 or c5.
12.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
12…Ra6: 12...Ra6 puts the rook in front of the queen: with the queen on a8 the typical battery against a2 arises.
13.Re1: White puts the rook on e1 and supports e5 – the push is to disturb your queenside play.
13…Qa8: Qa8 puts the queen behind the rook: the battery on the a-file presses on a2 and a4.
14.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2 and attacks the rook on a6.
14…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
15.a4: 15.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
15…Nc7: The knight stands on c7 and covers b5 – from there it can go to a6 and b4.

Line 23: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3 Bg7 10.Nf3 O-O 11.Kg2

up to 9…Bg7 as line 22

10.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling. (transposition)
10…O-O: You castle. White brings his king to safety with Kg2; you start the pressure on the queenside.
11.Kg2: White brings the king to g2 – the 'artificial castling': after king takes on f1 he can no longer castle. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.75); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 24: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g4 Bg7 10.Kg2 O-O 11.g5 Nh5 12.Nge2 f5 13.exf5 Rxf5 14.Ng3 Nxg3 15.hxg3 Na6

up to 8…d6 as line 23

9.g4: An ambitious flank move Stockfish does not like: it gives away much of White's advantage (nearly level afterwards). You simply continue with Bg7.
9…Bg7: You develop the bishop. White's g-pawn has weakened squares on the kingside.
10.Kg2: The king goes to g2. You continue with the knight via a6 to c7 or b4.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.g5: 11.g5 drives the knight from f6 – White attacks on the kingside.
11…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 – from there it can jump to f4 and waits for f5.
12.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – from there to f4 or g3, without blocking the pawn on f2.
12…f5: 12...f5 strikes back on the kingside and opens the f-file.
13.exf5: White takes on f5 and opens the f-file – for your rook on f8.
13…Rxf5: You recapture with the rook; it stands actively on f5 and presses down the f-file against f2.
14.Ng3: The knight attacks the knight on h5 and the rook on f5 – a fork you must watch out for.
14…Nxg3: You trade on g3 – the knight that attacked your rook disappears, and the h-file opens for White.
15.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn and opens the h-file.
15…Na6: 15...Na6 brings the last knight into play via c7. Stockfish: level (+0.15) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 25: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g4 Bg7 10.g5 Nh5 11.Nge2 Qc8 12.Kg2 h6 13.h4 Nd7 14.a4 Ne5 15.a5 hxg5

up to 9…Bg7 as line 24

10.g5: 10.g5 drives the knight from f6 and attacks on the kingside – White plays for an attack instead of safety.
10…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and eyes f4 – a strong square in front of White's king.
11.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – from there to f4 or g3, without blocking the pawn on f2.
11…Qc8: 11...Qc8 aims at the weak pawn on g4 – after g4 White's kingside is open.
12.Kg2: White brings the king to g2 – the 'artificial castling': after king takes on f1 he can no longer castle.
12…h6: 12...h6 attacks the pawn on g5 and opens the h-file against White's king.
13.h4: White supports the pawn on g5 with 13.h4 and keeps the kingside closed.
13…Nd7: The knight heads via d7 to e5, the best square in this structure.
14.a4: 14.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
14…Ne5: The knight reaches e5, the best square in this structure.
15.a5: White pushes on with 15.a5 and gains space on the queenside.
15…hxg5: You take on g5 and open the h-file against White's king.

Line 26: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nge2 Bg7 10.h3 O-O 11.Kg1 Nbd7 12.Kh2 Qb6 13.Rb1 e6 14.Qc2 exd5 15.exd5 Qa6

up to 8…d6 as line 25

9.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 instead of f3 (Yugoslav Variation) – Stockfish considers it inaccurate. You develop as usual with Bg7.
9…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 and aims at c3.
10.h3: White makes room for the king. You castle and play on the queenside.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.Kg1: White takes the king via g1 to h2 – that way it stands safely after losing the right to castle.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
12.Kh2: The king stands safely on h2, and the rook on h1 can join the game.
12…Qb6: 12...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
13…e6: 13...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
15.exd5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
15…Qa6: 15...Qa6 attacks the knight on e2 and pins it – White has to look after his king. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.55); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 27: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nge2 Bg7 10.h3 O-O 11.Kg1 e6 12.Kh2 exd5 13.exd5 Re8 14.Re1 Nbd7 15.Bf4 Nh5

up to 11.Kg1 as line 26

11…e6: 11...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 at once – you want to open the centre before White gets his king to safety.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and frees the rook on h1 – the artificial castling is complete.
12…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
13.exd5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the open e-file and attacks the knight on e2.
14.Re1: White puts a rook against yours on the e-file so as not to leave it to you.
14…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
15…Nh5: 15...Nh5 attacks the bishop on f4 and wants to end the bishop pair.

Line 28: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.Nge2 Bg7 10.g3 O-O 11.Kg2

up to 9…Bg7 as line 27

10.g3: 10.g3 prepares the king move to g2 – the 'artificial castling', because White can no longer castle.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.Kg2: White brings the king to g2 – the 'artificial castling': after king takes on f1 he can no longer castle. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.52); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 29: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.Bf4 Nh5 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bc1 Nf6 15.Rb1 Bc4 16.e4 Bxa2 17.Nxa2 Rxa2 18.e5 Nfxd5

up to 6…Bxa6 as line 28

7.g3: The Fianchetto Variation: White does without e4 and puts his bishop on g2. That way his light-squared bishop survives.
7…d6: Against the Fianchetto you play as usual: d6, Bg7 and Nbd7. The bishop on a6 stays where it is and presses on e2.
8.Bg2: The bishop comes to g2 – in the Fianchetto Variation the white king can still castle.
8…Bg7: You fianchetto too. The bishop on g7 is the heart of your play on the queenside.
9.Nf3: The Fianchetto Variation: White castles short and defends the queenside with Rb1.
9…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 and from there often to b6 – from b6 it eyes c4 and a4.
10.O-O: White castles. Your knight continues via b6.
10…Nb6: The knight on b6 controls c4 and a4; at the same time d7 becomes free for the other knight.
11.Re1: White prepares e4. You castle and keep an eye on the squares c4 and a4.
11…O-O: Both kings are safe. Your pressure comes via the a- and b-files.
12.Bf4: The bishop controls d6 and e5. Your knight on f6 jumps to h5 and attacks it.
12…Nh5: The knight chases the bishop on f4 – it shall no longer control e5.
13.Bg5: The bishop retreats to g5. With h6 you drive it further away.
13…h6: You question the bishop – it has to go back to c1.
14.Bc1: The bishop is back on c1 – White has lost time. Your knight returns to f6.
14…Nf6: The knight is back. Stockfish also mentions the jump to c4 – both keep the balance.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
15…Bc4: 15...Bc4 attacks the pawn on a2 – the typical manoeuvre to win back the pawn you gave.
16.e4: 16.e4 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
16…Bxa2: You take the pawn on a2 and attack the rook on b1 – this is the reward for your gambit, the pawn is back.
17.Nxa2: White gives the knight for the bishop so you do not press with both bishops on the queenside.
17…Rxa2: You recapture on a2 – the sacrificed pawn is won back, and your rook stands actively on the second rank.
18.e5: 18.e5 attacks the knight on f6 to open the centre.
18…Nfxd5: You take the pawn on d5 with the knight – now you are even a pawn up.

Line 30: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.e4 Nfd7 13.Qc2 Nc4 14.Bf4 Qa5 15.Rac1 Rfb8 16.b3 Nce5

up to 11…O-O as line 29

12.e4: With e4 White wants to open the centre but, according to Stockfish, gives away his advantage. After Nfd7 Black stands well.
12…Nfd7: The knight clears the diagonal of the bishop on g7. Stockfish now sees the position as level.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
13…Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3.
14.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
14…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
15.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 and prepares b4 against your pawn on c5.
15…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
16.b3: 16.b3 drives the knight from c4 but weakens the knight on c3 on the long diagonal.
16…Nce5: The knight jumps to e5 – it stands centrally again. Stockfish: level (-0.16) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 31: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.Nd2 Qc7 13.Rb1 Rfb8 14.Qc2 Qb7 15.a3 Ra7

up to 11…O-O as line 30

12.Nd2: The knight wants to defend the queenside via b3 or c4.
12…Qc7: 12...Qc7 puts the queen against c3 and covers d6 at the same time.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…Qb7: The queen goes to b7, onto the b-file and the long diagonal.
15.a3: White plays 15.a3 and prepares b4 – he wants to open the queenside himself.
15…Ra7: 15...Ra7 prepares to double the rooks on the a-file.

Line 32: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.h3 Nfd7 13.Qc2 Ra7 14.Nd2 Qa8 15.Ndb1 Bb7

up to 11…O-O as line 31

12.h3: 12.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
12…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
13…Ra7: 13...Ra7 puts the rook in front of the queen: with the queen on a8 the battery on the a-file arises.
14.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
14…Qa8: Qa8 puts the queen behind the rook: the battery on the a-file presses on a2 and a4.
15.Ndb1: The knight goes back to b1 to cover a2 against your battery on the a-file.
15…Bb7: 15...Bb7 puts the bishop on the long diagonal against d5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.44); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 33: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.Rb1 Bc4 13.e4 Bxa2 14.Nxa2 Rxa2 15.b4 c4

up to 11…O-O as line 32

12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
12…Bc4: 12...Bc4 attacks the pawn on a2 – the typical manoeuvre to win back the pawn you gave.
13.e4: 13.e4 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
13…Bxa2: You take the pawn on a2 and attack the rook on b1 – this is the reward for your gambit, the pawn is back.
14.Nxa2: White gives the knight for the bishop so you do not press with both bishops on the queenside.
14…Rxa2: You recapture on a2 – the sacrificed pawn is won back, and your rook stands actively on the second rank.
15.b4: 15.b4 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
15…c4: 15...c4 keeps the queenside closed. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 34: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Nd2 O-O 12.Qc2 Bb7 13.e4 Ba6 14.Rd1 Ng4 15.h3 Ne5

up to 10…Nb6 as line 33

11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wants to reach c4 – there it covers b6 and a5 against your play.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
12…Bb7: 12...Bb7 puts the bishop on the long diagonal against the pawn on d5.
13.e4: White plays 13.e4 and supports d5 – now the bishop on b7 bites on granite.
13…Ba6: The bishop returns to a6 and aims at e2 and f1 – it keeps White's king tied.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d5 and supports it.
14…Ng4: 14...Ng4 opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and heads for e5.
15.h3: White attacks the knight with 15.h3 and gives the king air.
15…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4. Stockfish: level (+0.12) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 35: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Nd2 O-O 12.Re1

up to 11…O-O as line 34

12.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure. Stockfish: level (+0.29) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 36: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Ne1 O-O 12.Nc2 Nc4 13.Ne3 Qb6 14.Qc2 Rfb8 15.b3 Nxe3

up to 10…Nb6 as line 35

11.Ne1: The knight goes via e1 to c2 and on to e3 – a long way to cover c4 and d5.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.Nc2: The knight reaches c2 and wants to go on to e3 to guard c4.
12…Nc4: 12...Nc4 jumps to the outpost c4 – the knight stands ideally there and presses on b2 and d2.
13.Ne3: White puts the knight on e3 against your knight on c4 and offers a trade.
13…Qb6: 13...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
15.b3: 15.b3 drives the knight from c4 but weakens the long diagonal.
15…Nxe3: You trade on e3 and take away White's defender of c4 and d5.

Line 37: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Nh4 O-O 12.Qc2 Nfd7 13.Nf3 Bb7 14.Rd1 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Bxd5

up to 10…Nb6 as line 36

11.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 to open the bishop's diagonal on g2 and later return to f3.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
12…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and opens the bishop on g7 – the long diagonal is free.
13.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and again covers d4 and e5.
13…Bb7: 13...Bb7 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d5 and supports it.
14…Bxc3: You give the bishop on g7 for the knight on c3 – afterwards White lacks the defender of d5.
15.bxc3: White recaptures and keeps a pawn in the centre, but the pawn on c3 is weak.
15…Bxd5: You take the pawn on d5 – material is level. Stockfish: level (+0.07) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 38: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Rb1 Bc4 12.Ng5 Bxa2 13.Nxa2 Rxa2 14.Qb3 Ra7 15.Qb5 Nbd7

up to 10…Nb6 as line 37

11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
11…Bc4: 11...Bc4 attacks the pawn on a2 – the typical manoeuvre to win back the pawn you gave.
12.Ng5: White jumps to g5 and eyes e6 and h7 to distract you from the queenside.
12…Bxa2: You take the pawn on a2 and attack the rook on b1 – this is the reward for your gambit, the pawn is back.
13.Nxa2: White gives the knight for the bishop so you do not press with both bishops on the queenside.
13…Rxa2: You recapture on a2 – the sacrificed pawn is won back, and your rook stands actively on the second rank.
14.Qb3: The queen attacks the rook on a2 and the knight on b6 – a double attack you must parry.
14…Ra7: The rook retreats to a7 and stays on the a-file.
15.Qb5: The queen gives check on b5 and attacks the knight on b6.
15…Nbd7: 15...Nbd7 blocks the check and keeps both pieces covered.

Line 39: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O Qa5 12.Bd2 Rfb8 13.Qc2 Qc7 14.b3 Nb6 15.Nh4 Qb7

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 38

10.Rb1: White puts his rook on the b-file in advance against your pressure and covers b2.
10…O-O: You castle. Then the queen to a5 and the rooks to the b-file follow.
11.O-O: White castles. Now you bring the queen to a5.
11…Qa5: The queen on a5 – together with Rfb8 the classic Benko picture: pressure on a2 and b2, plus the bishop on g7 aiming at c3.
12.Bd2: The bishop covers c3 and releases the pin. Your rooks come to the b-file.
12…Rfb8: The rook on b8 – the second one often follows to a7 or b7. Pressure on b2 is your plan.
13.Qc2: The queen covers c3 and b2. White holds the queenside – you look for ways via c4 or the knight to b6.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7: it covers d6, supports c4 and stays on the diagonal towards White's kingside.
14.b3: 14.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and eyes a4 and c4 – the weaknesses on White's queenside.
15.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
15…Qb7: The queen goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5 and b2. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.39); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 40: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O Qa5 12.Bd2 Rfb8 13.b3 Ne8 14.Qc2 Qa3 15.Bc1 Qa5 16.Bd2

up to 12…Rfb8 as line 39

13.b3: 13.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
13…Ne8: The knight goes via e8 to c7 and on to b5 – from there it attacks c3 and d4.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…Qa3: The queen penetrates to a3 and presses on a2 from behind.
15.Bc1: The bishop attacks the queen on a3 and drives it out of White's camp.
15…Qa5: The queen returns to a5 and again pins the knight on c3.
16.Bd2: White offers a repetition with the bishop – he has no better plan. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.54); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 41: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O Qa5 12.Bd2 Rfb8 13.a4 Qc7 14.b3 Nb6 15.Ng5 h6

up to 12…Rfb8 as line 40

13.a4: 13.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7: it covers d6, supports c4 and stays on the diagonal towards White's kingside.
14.b3: 14.b3 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on a4 – the weakness on White's queenside.
15.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and aims at e6 and h7 – White looks for kingside play while your pieces stand on the queenside.
15…h6: 15...h6 drives the knight away before it does damage on e6 or h7. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.51); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 42: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O Qa5 12.Qc2 Rfb8 13.Rd1 Ng4 14.Bd2 Nge5 15.Nxe5 Nxe5 16.b3 Bc8

up to 11…Qa5 as line 41

12.Qc2: White covers c3 with the queen instead of the bishop.
12…Rfb8: The rooks belong on the b-file – your standard plan.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d5 and supports it against e6.
13…Ng4: 13...Ng4 opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7 and heads for e5.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
14…Nge5: The knight jumps to e5 and offers a trade – it stands centrally and strongly there.
15.Nxe5: White trades off your knight on e5 before it jumps to c4.
15…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight; it stands strongly on e5.
16.b3: 16.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
16…Bc8: The bishop goes to c8 – from there it can go to f5 or g4 and becomes active on the kingside.

Line 43: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O Qa5 12.Qc2 Rfb8 13.Bd2

up to 12…Rfb8 as line 42

13.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2 and covers c3 against your bishop on g7. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.53); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 44: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Rb1 O-O 11.b3 Qa5 12.Bd2 Rfb8 13.O-O

up to 10…O-O as line 43

11.b3: 11.b3 keeps the b-file closed but weakens c3.
11…Qa5: 11...Qa5 attacks the weakened knight on c3 at once.
12.Bd2: 12.Bd2 covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen.
12…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
13.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.51); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 45: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Qc2 Ne5 12.b3 Qa5 13.Bd2 Rfb8 14.Nf4 c4 15.Rfb1 Bc8

up to 8…Bg7 as line 44

9.Nh3: The knight goes to h3 instead of f3 – Stockfish considers it inaccurate; the evaluation drops noticeably.
9…Nbd7: Against the knight on h3 you play as usual. It wants to go to d3 via f4.
10.O-O: White castles. You castle as well.
10…O-O: Both have castled. Stockfish sees the position as nearly level.
11.Qc2: The queen covers c3. Your queen goes to b6, the rooks to the b-file.
11…Ne5: 11...Ne5 jumps to the centre – from there to c4 or g4.
12.b3: 12.b3 takes c4 from your knight and keeps the b-file closed, but weakens c3.
12…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
13.Bd2: 13.Bd2 covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4: from there it supports d5 and eyes e6 and g6.
14…c4: 14...c4 gives your knight the square c5 and blocks the queenside – from c5 it eyes d3 and b3.
15.Rfb1: White puts the rook on the b-file against your rooks.
15…Bc8: The bishop goes to c8 – to f5 or d7, where it stands more actively than on a6.

Line 46: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Bd2 Qb6 12.Rb1 Ne5 13.b3 Bc8 14.a4 Bf5 15.e4 Bc8

up to 10…O-O as line 45

11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
11…Qb6: 11...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
12…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
13.b3: 13.b3 takes c4 from your knight and keeps the b-file closed, but weakens c3.
13…Bc8: The bishop attacks the knight on h3 and wants to trade it before it reaches f4.
14.a4: 14.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
14…Bf5: The bishop attacks the knight on h3 and the rook on b1 – it stands strongly on f5.
15.e4: 15.e4 drives the bishop from f5 and builds the centre.
15…Bc8: The bishop retreats to c8 and attacks the knight on h3 again. Stockfish: level (+0.06) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 47: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Re1 Qb6 12.Rb1 Rfb8 13.Ng5 Bc8 14.h3 Ne5 15.Nf3 Nxf3

up to 10…O-O as line 46

11.Re1: White puts the rook on e1 and prepares e4 – he wants to advance the centre.
11…Qb6: 11...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
12…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
13.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and aims at e6 – White looks for kingside play.
13…Bc8: The bishop goes to c8 and covers e6 against the knight on g5.
14.h3: 14.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
14…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and offers a trade.
15…Nxf3: You trade on f3 with check and break up White's castled position.

Line 48: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Nf4 Ne5 12.b3 Qc7 13.Rb1 Rfb8 14.Qc2 Qa5 15.Bd2 Qa3

up to 10…O-O as line 47

11.Nf4: The knight goes to f4: from there it supports d5 and eyes e6 and g6.
11…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
12.b3: 12.b3 takes c4 from your knight and keeps the b-file closed, but weakens c3.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at c3, which has become weak after b3.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
15.Bd2: 15.Bd2 covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen.
15…Qa3: The queen invades a3 and presses on a2 – White's queenside is under pressure.

Line 49: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Rb1 Qa5 12.Qc2 Rfb8 13.Bd2 Bc8 14.b3 Ne5 15.Ng5 c4

up to 10…O-O as line 48

11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
11…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
12…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
13.Bd2: 13.Bd2 covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen.
13…Bc8: The bishop goes to c8 – to f5, where it attacks the rook on b1.
14.b3: 14.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
14…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
15.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and aims at e6 and h7 – White looks for kingside play while your pieces stand on the queenside.
15…c4: 15...c4 gives your knight the square c5 and blocks the queenside – from c5 it eyes d3 and b3.

Line 50: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Nh3 Nbd7 10.Nf4 h5 11.h4 O-O 12.O-O Qb6 13.Na4 Qb5 14.Nc3 Qb6

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 49

10.Nf4: The knight goes to f4: from there it supports d5 and eyes e6 and g6.
10…h5: 10...h5 takes g6 from the knight and prepares h4.
11.h4: White stops the h-pawn with 11.h4 so it does not reach h4.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Qb6: 12...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
13.Na4: The knight attacks the queen to drive it off the b-file.
13…Qb5: The queen attacks the knight on a4 – it stands badly on the edge.
14.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 and attacks the queen – the moves repeat.
14…Qb6: The queen returns to b6 – the moves repeat. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 51: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Rb1 Nbd7 10.a4 Rb8 11.Nf3 Qb6 12.O-O Qb3 13.Nd2 Qxd1 14.Rxd1 O-O 15.b3 Ng4

up to 8…Bg7 as line 50

9.Rb1: An early rook move Stockfish finds inaccurate – White should play Nf3 first.
9…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 – via b6 it can reach c4, where it hits the weaknesses on the queenside.
10.a4: 10.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
10…Rb8: The rook lines up on the b-file against the pawn on b2 and the rook on b1.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
11…Qb6: 11...Qb6 doubles on the b-file: queen and rook press on b2 together.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Qb3: The queen invades b3 and attacks the queen on d1 – she offers a trade.
13.Nd2: The knight attacks the queen on b3 and forces the queen trade.
13…Qxd1: You trade queens – in the endgame your pressure on the b-file remains.
14.Rxd1: White recaptures with the rook; in the endgame the activity of your pieces counts.
14…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
15.b3: 15.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
15…Ng4: 15...Ng4 opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and heads for e5. Stockfish: level (+0.05) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 52: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2 Bg7 9.Rb1 Nbd7 10.b3 Ng4 11.Bd2 Bd4 12.Nh3 h5 13.a4 Qc8 14.Ne4 h4 15.b4 cxb4

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 51

10.b3: 10.b3 keeps the b-file closed and takes c4 from your knight, but weakens the long diagonal: c3 becomes more vulnerable to your bishop on g7.
10…Ng4: 10...Ng4 opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and heads for e5.
11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
11…Bd4: The bishop sets itself on d4 against c3 and f2 – right inside White's position.
12.Nh3: White develops the knight to h3 – it wants to support d5 via f4.
12…h5: 12...h5 prepares h4 against White's king position.
13.a4: 13.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and attacks the knight on h3.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and c5.
14…h4: 14...h4 opens the h-file against White's king – you attack yourself.
15.b4: 15.b4 attacks the pawn on c5 and wants to open the queenside before your attack arrives.
15…cxb4: You take on b4 and open the b-file for your rooks.

Line 53: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Bg2

up to 7…d6 as line 52

8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
8…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7. After Bg2 the usual fianchetto position arises.
9.Bg2: White puts the bishop on g2 – against your fianchetto on the long diagonal. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.68); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 54: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Bh3 Nbd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.Re1 O-O 12.e4 Nfd7 13.Qc2 Nc4 14.Bf4 Nde5 15.Bxe5 Nxe5

up to 8…Bg7 as line 53

9.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 instead of g2 – Stockfish finds it inaccurate.
9…Nbd7: You develop the knight. The bishop on h3 points at nothing – your queenside play goes on.
10.O-O: White castles. Your knight goes to b6.
10…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and eyes a4 and c4 – the weaknesses on White's queenside.
11.Re1: White prepares e4. You castle and keep c4 under control.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.e4: 12.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
12…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 – to e5 or c5, where it stands centrally.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
13…Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3.
14.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
14…Nde5: The other knight attacks the knight on f3 from e5 and offers a trade.
15.Bxe5: White gives the bishop for the knight on e5 – your bishop on g7 then has no opponent left.
15…Nxe5: You recapture – your bishop on g7 now has no opponent. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 55: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.e4 O-O 10.Bxa6 Nxa6 11.O-O Qd7 12.Qe2 Nc7 13.a4 Rfb8 14.Rd1 Rb4 15.a5 h6

up to 8…Bg7 as line 54

9.e4: 9.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
10.Bxa6: White trades bishops on a6 – your strong bishop disappears, but your knight joins the game.
10…Nxa6: You recapture with the knight – it goes via c7 to b5.
11.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
11…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks – both can now go to the a- and b-files.
12.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2 and attacks the knight on a6.
12…Nc7: The knight goes via e8 to c7 and on to b5 – from there it attacks c3 and d4.
13.a4: 13.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
13…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d5 and supports it.
14…Rb4: The rook advances to b4 and attacks the pawn on e4 from the side.
15.a5: 15.a5 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
15…h6: 15...h6 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.37); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 56: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.g3 d6 8.Nh3 Bg7 9.Nf4 Nbd7 10.h4 h5 11.Bh3 O-O 12.O-O Ne5 13.Qc2 Qb6 14.Rb1 Rfb8 15.Kh1 Qb4

up to 7…d6 as line 55

8.Nh3: White develops the knight to h3 to bring it via f4.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.Nf4: The knight goes to f4: from there it supports d5 and eyes e6 and g6.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
10.h4: 10.h4 gains space on the kingside and prepares h5.
10…h5: 10...h5 stops the h-pawn and secures g4 for the knight on f6.
11.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks the knight on d7 – it looks for the light squares.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
13…Qb6: 13...Qb6 puts the queen on the b-file: it presses on b2 and works together with your rooks.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
14…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2.
15.Kh1: The king goes to h1 and leaves the g1–a7 diagonal as a precaution.
15…Qb4: The queen attacks both knights on b4 – a double attack.

Line 57: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.Nf3 d6 8.e4 Bxf1 9.Kxf1

up to 6…Bxa6 as line 56

7.Nf3: White develops the knight before choosing between e4 and g3.
7…d6: You stick to your set-up. If e4 comes, you trade on f1 as usual.
8.e4: White plays e4 – now you trade the bishop on f1.
8…Bxf1: The trade takes away White's right to castle – as in the main line.
9.Kxf1: White recaptures with the king and can no longer castle – exactly what the Benko Gambit wants. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.65); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 58: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.Nf3 d6 8.g3

up to 7…d6 as line 57

8.g3: 8.g3 prepares the fianchetto and castling – White forgoes e4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.62); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 59: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.Nf3 d6 8.Nd2 Bg7 9.e4 Bxf1 10.Nxf1 Qa5 11.Nd2 Nbd7 12.a4 O-O 13.O-O Nb6 14.Ra3 Nfd7 15.Qe2 Rfb8

up to 7…d6 as line 58

8.Nd2: White plans e4 without putting the king on f1. Stockfish finds it inaccurate.
8…Bg7: You develop and wait for e4.
9.e4: Now White plays e4. You trade on f1.
9…Bxf1: The trade: White recaptures with the knight and keeps the right to castle.
10.Nxf1: White can still castle. Your queen goes to a5 and presses on c3 and a2.
10…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2, covers e4 and wants to go on to c4.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
12.a4: 12.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
12…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
13.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
13…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on a4 – the weakness after a4.
14.Ra3: 14.Ra3 covers a4 and c3 along the third rank against your pressure.
14…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to e5, where it eyes c4 and d3.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2: it covers e4 and the second rank and supports e5.
15…Rfb8: The second rook comes to the half-open b-file: both rooks now press on b2 and a2. Stockfish: level (+0.12) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 60: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 O-O 10.e4 d6 11.Bxa6 Qxa6 12.Qe2 Nbd7 13.Qxa6 Rxa6 14.Ke2 Rb8 15.Rhb1 Nxe4

up to 6…Bxa6 as line 59

7.f4: The Central Storming Variation: White wants to gain space with e4 and e5. Stockfish finds f4 weak – it gives away much of White's advantage.
7…Bg7: The bishop on g7 aims along the diagonal weakened by f4 – your pieces become active against the loose white centre.
8.Nf3: White develops. With the queen to a5 you use the weakened squares on the queenside.
8…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
9.Bd2: 9.Bd2 covers the knight on c3 against the pin by your queen.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
10.e4: 10.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
10…d6: 10...d6 stops the push e5 and opens the bishop on c8.
11.Bxa6: White trades bishops on a6 – your strong bishop disappears, but your knight joins the game.
11…Qxa6: The queen recaptures and stands actively again on a6 against e2.
12.Qe2: White offers a queen trade to reduce your queenside pressure.
12…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
13.Qxa6: White trades queens – in the endgame the extra pawn counts more, but your pressure on the a- and b-files remains.
13…Rxa6: You recapture with the rook; it then stands actively on the open file.
14.Ke2: Without queens the king goes to e2 – in the endgame it stands well there and covers d3.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
15.Rhb1: White puts a rook against yours on the b-file.
15…Nxe4: 15...Nxe4 wins the pawn on e4 – the knight on c3 is pinned. Stockfish: level (-0.04) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 61: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 O-O 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bxa6 10.Be2 Qb4 11.e5 Ng4 12.Nb5 Qe4 13.O-O Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Bxb5 15.Bxb5 Qxe5

up to 6.Nc3 as line 60

6…Bg7: Instead of bishop takes on a6 at once you first develop the bishop to g7 – the pawn on a6 will not run away.
7.e4: With 7.e4 White occupies the centre and opens the diagonal for the bishop on f1.
7…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe, and the rook on f8 can later go to the b-file.
8.Nf3: The knight comes to f3, covers the centre and prepares short castling.
8…Qa5: 8...Qa5 pins the knight on c3 to the king on e1 – a typical Benko move.
9.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and breaks the pin – the knight on c3 is free again.
9…Bxa6: Now you win back the pawn on a6; your bishop attacks the bishop on f1 as it does so.
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and offers a trade for your bishop on a6.
10…Qb4: The queen goes to b4 and attacks the pawns on b2 and e4 – White has to do something.
11.e5: 11.e5 attacks your knight on f6 and gains space in the centre.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the pawn on e5 – together with the bishop on g7.
12.Nb5: The knight goes to b5 – now the bishop on d2 attacks your queen on b4.
12…Qe4: The queen steps to e4 and attacks the bishop on e2, the knight on f3 and the pawn on e5.
13.O-O: White castles and brings the king out of the centre, away from your queen on the e-file.
13…Nxe5: Your knight takes on e5 and attacks the knight on f3 – the gambit pawn is back.
14.Nxe5: White takes your knight – the white knight on e5 is now attacked by your queen and the bishop on g7.
14…Bxb5: Your bishop takes the knight on b5 and attacks the bishop on e2.
15.Bxb5: The bishop on e2 takes back on b5 – White has the bishop pair, but the knight on e5 is still under attack.
15…Qxe5: The queen takes the knight on e5 – material is level, and queen and bishop on g7 press together on b2. Stockfish: level (+0.21).

Line 62: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 O-O 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bxa6 10.Bxa6 Qxa6 11.Qe2 e6 12.dxe6 fxe6 13.Be3 Rc8 14.Rd1 Qxe2 15.Kxe2 Ng4

up to 9…Bxa6 as line 61

10.Bxa6: White trades the bishop on f1 for your bishop on a6 before you build up pressure on the diagonal.
10…Qxa6: You recapture with the queen; she attacks f1, so White cannot castle short.
11.Qe2: The queen comes to e2 and offers a queen trade – this is how White wants to make castling possible again.
11…e6: 11...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre for your pieces.
12.dxe6: White takes on e6 before you exchange on d5 – otherwise the pawn on d5 would be weak.
12…fxe6: You take back with the f-pawn – the f-file opens for your rook on f8.
13.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and attacks your pawn on c5.
13…Rc8: The rook goes from f8 to c8 and covers the pawn on c5.
14.Rd1: The rook comes to d1 onto the open d-file and presses on your pawn on d7.
14…Qxe2: You trade queens with check – the endgame is easy for you to play.
15.Kxe2: The king takes back the queen and stands fairly safely on e2 now that the queens are gone.
15…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3 – White must move it away or trade it for the knight. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 63: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 O-O 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Nd2 Bxa6 10.Be2 d6 11.O-O Nfd7 12.Ndb1 c4 13.Na4 Bb5 14.Nac3 Ba6

up to 8…Qa5 as line 62

9.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and breaks the pin on the knight on c3; via c4 it can later attack your queen.
9…Bxa6: You win back the pawn on a6; your bishop attacks the bishop on f1 as it does so.
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and offers a trade for your bishop on a6.
10…d6: 10...d6 supports c5 and opens the way to d7 for your knight on b8.
11.O-O: White castles short – the king is safe, and the bishops are not traded yet.
11…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and opens the long diagonal for your bishop on g7 against c3 and b2.
12.Ndb1: The knight goes back to b1 and covers c3 a second time; the square d2 becomes free for the bishop.
12…c4: 12...c4 gains space on the queenside and frees the square c5 for your knight.
13.Na4: The knight goes to a4 – covered by the queen on d1 – and takes the squares b6 and c5 from your knight.
13…Bb5: Your bishop comes to b5 and attacks the knight on a4 a second time.
14.Nac3: The knight goes back to c3 and now attacks your bishop on b5.
14…Ba6: The bishop goes back to a6 – the position repeats itself, and neither side makes progress. Stockfish: level (+0.15). (transposition)

Line 64: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 O-O 8.Be2 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bxa6 10.e5 Ne8 11.Nf3 d6 12.e6 Bxe2 13.Qxe2 Qa6 14.exf7 Rxf7 15.Nb5 h6

up to 7…O-O as line 63

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 before the knight on g1 comes out.
8…Qa5: 8...Qa5 pins the knight on c3 to the king – a typical Benko move.
9.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and breaks the pin on the knight on c3.
9…Bxa6: You win back the pawn on a6; your bishop now attacks the bishop on e2.
10.e5: 10.e5 attacks your knight on f6 and gains space in the centre.
10…Ne8: The knight steps back to e8; the long diagonal for your bishop on g7 stays open.
11.Nf3: The knight comes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5.
11…d6: 11...d6 attacks the pawn on e5 – you want to break up White's centre.
12.e6: The pawn storms forward to e6 and attacks f7 – White wants to loosen your position.
12…Bxe2: You trade your bishop for the bishop on e2 – White loses an important defender of the light squares.
13.Qxe2: The queen takes back the bishop and stands on e2 next to the king.
13…Qa6: Your queen goes to a6 and offers a queen trade – in the endgame the Benko plays well for you.
14.exf7: White takes on f7 with check and so trades the advanced pawn on e6 for your f-pawn.
14…Rxf7: The rook takes back on f7 and now stands on the half-open f-file.
15.Nb5: The knight goes to b5, steps between the queens and attacks the pawn on d6.
15…h6: 15...h6 takes the square g5 from the bishop and knight and gives your king air. Stockfish: level (+0.21).

Line 65: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 O-O 8.a7 Rxa7 9.Nf3 e6 10.Be2 exd5 11.exd5 d6 12.O-O Na6 13.Nb5 Rd7 14.Bc4 Bb7 15.Bg5 h6

up to 7…O-O as line 64

8.a7: 8.a7 attacks your knight on b8 – White gives the pawn back to lure your rook away from a8.
8…Rxa7: The rook takes the pawn on a7 – material is level again.
9.Nf3: The knight comes to f3, covers the centre and prepares short castling.
9…e6: 9...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and wants to castle at once.
10…exd5: You exchange on d5 – the e-file becomes open, and your rook can later go to e8.
11.exd5: White takes back with the e-pawn; the pawn on d5 is there again, but without support from e4.
11…d6: 11...d6 supports c5 and opens the diagonal for your bishop on c8.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and wants to go on to c7 or b4.
13.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks your rook on a7 and the pawn on d6.
13…Rd7: The rook goes to d7, out of the attack, and covers the pawn on d6.
14.Bc4: The bishop comes to c4 and covers the pawn on d5.
14…Bb7: Your bishop comes to b7 and attacks the pawn on d5 – together with the knight on f6.
15.Bg5: The bishop comes to g5 and attacks your knight on f6, one of the defenders of d5.
15…h6: 15...h6 puts the question to the bishop on g5: trade or retreat. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.41).

Line 66: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.e4

up to 6…Bg7 as line 65

7.Nf3: White first develops the knight to f3 and leaves e4 open for now.
7…O-O: You castle short – the rook on f8 can later go to the b-file.
8.e4: With 8.e4 White occupies the centre – next you win back the pawn on a6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.35). (transposition)

Line 67: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.g3 d6 9.Bg2

up to 7…O-O as line 66

8.g3: White plays 8.g3 and prepares the bishop on g2 – the fianchetto setup against the Benko.
8…d6: 8...d6 supports c5 and opens the diagonal for your bishop on c8.
9.Bg2: The bishop stands on g2 – next you win back the pawn on a6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.36). (transposition)

Line 68: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.g3 d6 8.Bg2

up to 6…Bg7 as line 67

7.g3: White plays 7.g3 and wants to put the bishop on g2.
7…d6: 7...d6 supports c5 and opens the diagonal for your bishop on c8.
8.Bg2: The bishop stands on g2 and supports the pawn on d5 along the long diagonal – next you win back the pawn on a6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.39). (transposition)

Line 69: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.g3 d6 7.Bg2 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Nf3 Nxa6 10.O-O Bf5 11.a3 Qc7 12.Nd2 Nb4 13.e4 Bg4 14.Bf3 Bh3 15.Nc4 Bxf1

up to 5…g6 as line 68

6.g3: White does without Nc3 and fianchettoes at once – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
6…d6: You play as usual. You take the pawn on a6 back later.
7.Bg2: White fianchettoes. Your knight later recaptures on a6.
7…Bg7: Both bishops stand on the long diagonals. You win back the pawn on a6 with the knight.
8.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
8…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…Nxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 with the knight – it wants to join via b4 or c7.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and holds up the pawn on e4 – White cannot get his centre going.
11.a3: 11.a3 takes b4 from your knight and prepares b4.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7: it covers d6, supports c4 and stays on the diagonal towards White's kingside.
12.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
12…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 anyway and eyes d3 and c2.
13.e4: 13.e4 attacks the bishop on f5 and gains time for the centre.
13…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks the queen on d1 – it stays active.
14.Bf3: The bishop sets itself on f3 against your bishop on g4 and covers e4.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks the rook on f1.
15.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 – for that White allows the exchange on f1.
15…Bxf1: You take the exchange on f1 – rook for bishop.

Line 70: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.g3 d6 7.Bg2 Bg7 8.Nf3 Nxa6 9.O-O Bf5 10.Nc3 O-O

up to 7…Bg7 as line 69

8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
8…Nxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 with the knight; material is level again.
9.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
9…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and keeps the knight on b1 tied – White cannot develop it.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.36); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 71: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 g6 6.g3 d6 7.Bg2 Bg7 8.Nh3 Nxa6 9.O-O O-O 10.Nc3 Rb8 11.Ng5 Qa5 12.a4 Nd7 13.Nf3 Re8 14.Re1 Ne5 15.Qc2 Nb4

up to 7…Bg7 as line 70

8.Nh3: White develops the knight to h3 – it wants to support d5 via f4.
8…Nxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 with the knight; material is level again.
9.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
11.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and aims at e6 and h7 – White looks for kingside play while your pieces stand on the queenside.
11…Qa5: Qa5 puts the queen on the a-file and pins the knight on c3 – a typical Benko move.
12.a4: 12.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and opens the bishop on g7 – the long diagonal is free.
13.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and covers e5.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and keeps an eye on the push e5.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure.
14…Ne5: The knight attacks the knight on f3 and offers a trade.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
15…Nb4: The knight attacks the queen on c2 and gains a tempo.

Line 72: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.e3 Qf6 10.Ne2 Bxa6 11.Nf4 Bxf1 12.Kxf1 Be7 13.Nh5 Qg6 14.Bd2 O-O 15.g3 Bd6

up to 5.bxa6 as line 71

5…e6: 5...e6 is Stockfish's choice: instead of g6 you attack the pawn on d5 at once.
6.Nc3: White develops the knight and covers d5 against your attack.
6…Nxd5: You take the pawn on d5 with the knight and attack the knight on c3.
7.Nxd5: White trades on d5 to get rid of your knight.
7…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and strengthen your centre.
8.Qxd5: The queen takes on d5 and attacks the rook on a8 – you must cover it.
8…Nc6: 8...Nc6 covers the rook and develops – you are ahead in development.
9.e3: 9.e3 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
9…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and attacks b2 – it uses the open diagonal.
10.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 – from there to f4 or g3, without blocking the pawn on f2.
10…Bxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 and attack the knight on e2.
11.Nf4: The knight goes to f4: from there it supports d5 and eyes e6 and g6.
11…Bxf1: You trade the bishop on f1 – White can no longer castle, his king stays in the centre.
12.Kxf1: White recaptures with the king and loses the right to castle.
12…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7 and prepare castling.
13.Nh5: The knight attacks the queen on f6 and wants to drive it from the queenside.
13…Qg6: The queen goes to g6 and attacks the knight on h5.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
14…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
15.g3: 15.g3 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
15…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2 and the king.

Line 73: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.e4 Be7 10.Bd2 O-O 11.Nf3 Qb6 12.Qb3 Qa7 13.Bc3 Bxa6 14.Qa4 Bxf1 15.Qxa7 Rxa7

up to 8…Nc6 as line 72

9.e4: 9.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
9…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7 and prepare castling.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
11…Qb6: 11...Qb6 attacks b2 and puts the queen on the b-file.
12.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 against your queen and offers a trade.
12…Qa7: The queen steps aside to a7 and stays on the diagonal against f2.
13.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 onto the long diagonal against your bishop on g7.
13…Bxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 and attack the bishop on f1.
14.Qa4: The queen attacks the bishop on a6 and the knight on c6 – a double attack.
14…Bxf1: You trade on f1 – White can no longer castle.
15.Qxa7: White trades queens – in the endgame the extra pawn counts more, but your pressure on the a- and b-files remains.
15…Rxa7: You recapture with the rook; it then stands actively on the open file. Stockfish: level (+0.10) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 74: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Bb5 Bg7 10.Nf3 O-O 11.O-O Nxb6 12.Re1 Ne8 13.h3 Bb7 14.h4 h5 15.Qc2 Nc7

up to 4…a6 as line 73

5.b6: White gives the pawn back at once so that the queenside files do not open so far.
5…d6: White gives the pawn back with b6 to keep the a- and b-files closed. You play d6 and win back b6 later in peace – often with the knight from d7.
6.Nc3: White develops and leaves the pawn on b6.
6…Nbd7: The knight attacks b6. The pawn is not going anywhere; first you develop.
7.e4: White occupies the centre. You fianchetto and take on b6 later.
7…g6: The familiar set-up with Bg7 – you take the pawn on b6 when it suits you.
8.a4: White secures the pawn on b6 with a4. With a5 you block it.
8…a5: You block the a-pawn. The squares b4 and b5 become important – your knight aims for b6.
9.Bb5: The bishop occupies b5, the hole in your position. You develop and collect b6 later.
9…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and aims at c3 and e5.
10.Nf3: White develops. You castle and then take on b6.
10…O-O: You castle. The pawn on b6 is not going anywhere.
11.O-O: Both have castled. Now you collect the pawn on b6.
11…Nxb6: The pawn is back – material is level, and your knight stands well on b6.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure.
12…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
13.h3: 13.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5 – together with e6 the pawn becomes a target.
14.h4: 14.h4 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
14…h5: 14...h5 stops the h-pawn and secures g4 for your pieces.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
15…Nc7: The knight attacks the bishop on b5 and covers d5 and e6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.47); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 75: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Bb5 Bg7 10.Nf3 O-O 11.O-O Nxb6 12.h3 Ne8 13.Re1

up to 11…Nxb6 as line 74

12.h3: 12.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
12…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.55); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 76: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Bb5 Bg7 10.Nf3 O-O 11.O-O Nxb6 12.Bf4 Bd7 13.Be2 Rb8 14.Rc1 Nh5 15.Be3 f5

up to 11…Nxb6 as line 75

12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
12…Bd7: The bishop attacks the bishop on b5 and offers a trade – without it White lacks a defender of b5.
13.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2 before you can trade it.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and prepares b4 against your pawn on c5.
14…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and wants to trade it.
15.Be3: The bishop steps aside to e3 and covers d4.
15…f5: 15...f5 attacks White's centre – the second lever next to the queenside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.45); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 77: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Bb5 Bg7 10.f4 O-O 11.Nf3 Nxb6 12.O-O Bd7 13.Bd3 Rb8 14.h3 e6 15.dxe6 fxe6

up to 9…Bg7 as line 76

10.f4: 10.f4 builds a big centre with e4 and f4 and plans e5.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
11…Nxb6: You win back the pawn on b6 – material is level.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Bd7: The bishop attacks the bishop on b5 and offers a trade.
13.Bd3: The bishop steps aside to d3 and covers e4.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
14.h3: 14.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
14…e6: 14...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre.
15.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
15…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file for your rook. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.54); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 78: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.Bb5

up to 8…a5 as line 77

9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
10.Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on d7 and wants to trade it. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.61); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 79: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.Be2 O-O 11.O-O Nxb6 12.Bf4 Nh5 13.Bc1 Ba6 14.Bxa6 Rxa6 15.Re1 Ra8

up to 9…Bg7 as line 78

10.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
11…Nxb6: You win back the pawn on b6 – material is level.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
12…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and wants to trade it.
13.Bc1: The bishop retreats to c1 before your knight can trade it.
13…Ba6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on e2 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
14.Bxa6: White trades bishops so your bishop does not press on e2 from a6.
14…Rxa6: You recapture with the rook; it then stands actively on the open file.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure.
15…Ra8: The rook returns to a8 and holds the a-file. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.42); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 80: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.a4 a5 9.f4 Bg7 10.Nf3 O-O 11.Bb5

up to 8…a5 as line 79

9.f4: 9.f4 builds a big centre with e4 and f4 and plans e5.
9…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
11.Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on d7 and wants to trade it. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.31); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 81: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.a4 a5

up to 7…g6 as line 80

8.Nf3: White does without a4 – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
8…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7. You take the pawn on b6 when it suits you.
9.a4: White secures b6 after all with a4.
9…a5: 9...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and gives the knight the square b4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.54); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 82: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Nxb6 11.a4 Bg4 12.a5 Nbd7 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 Ne8 15.Be2 Nc7

up to 8…Bg7 as line 81

9.Be2: White develops the bishop. You castle and take on b6.
9…O-O: You castle first; the pawn on b6 falls later.
10.O-O: Both have castled. Now you collect the pawn.
10…Nxb6: The pawn is back – a healthy position with your bishop on g7.
11.a4: 11.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers e5 and d4.
12.a5: 12.a5 attacks the knight on b6 and gains space on the queenside.
12…Nbd7: The knight steps away from the pawn to d7 and eyes c5 and e5.
13.h3: With 13.h3 White attacks the bishop and asks whether you trade on f3.
13…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away White's knight that covers e5 and d4.
14.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop – it now stands on the long diagonal against your queenside.
14…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
15.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2 and covers c4 and b5.
15…Nc7: The knight stands on c7: it covers b5 and a6 and can jump to b5 or e6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.53); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 83: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Nxb6 11.h3 e6 12.dxe6 Bxe6 13.a4 a5 14.Be3 Re8 15.Re1 Bc4

up to 10…Nxb6 as line 82

11.h3: 11.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
11…e6: 11...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
12.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
12…Bxe6: You recapture with the bishop – it stands actively on e6.
13.a4: 13.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
13…a5: 13...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and gives the knight the square b4.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and eyes c5 and your queenside.
14…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and keeps an eye on the push e5.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4 and later e5 – White's plan against your queenside pressure.
15…Bc4: The bishop attacks the bishop on e2 and wants the light squares. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.52); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 84: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Nxb6 11.Bf4 Nh5 12.Bc1 Nf6

up to 10…Nxb6 as line 83

11.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
11…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and wants to trade it.
12.Bc1: The bishop retreats to c1 to avoid being traded.
12…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers d5 and e4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.55); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 85: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Ne8 11.Bg5 Nxb6 12.Qd2 Bg4 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 Rb8 15.Be2 Nc7

up to 10.O-O as line 84

10…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and opens the bishop on g7 – it wants to reach c7.
11.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and disturbs your knight on f6.
11…Nxb6: You win back the pawn on b6 – material is level.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
12…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers e5 and d4.
13.h3: With 13.h3 White attacks the bishop and asks whether you trade on f3.
13…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away White's knight that covers e5 and d4.
14.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop – it now stands on the long diagonal against your queenside.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
15.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2 and covers b5.
15…Nc7: The knight stands on c7: it covers b5 and a6 and can jump to b5 or e6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.52); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 86: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Qxb6

up to 10.O-O as line 85

10…Qxb6: The queen takes the pawn on b6 – material is level again, and the b-file is open. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.48). (transposition)

Line 87: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.a4 Qxb6 11.O-O Rb8 12.h3 Ne8 13.Ra3 Nc7 14.Qc2 a5 15.Nd2 Ba6

up to 9…O-O as line 86

10.a4: 10.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
10…Qxb6: The queen wins back the pawn on b6 and stands right on the b-file.
11.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
12.h3: 12.h3 takes g4 away from your knight and bishop and gives the king air.
12…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
13.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and covers a4 and c3 along the third rank – this is how White withstands your pressure on the a-file.
13…Nc7: The knight stands on c7: it covers b5 and a6 and can jump to b5 or e6.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers the knight on c3 and the second rank against your rooks and supports the push e4.
14…a5: 14...a5 gives the knight the square b4 and fixes the pawn on a4.
15.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
15…Ba6: The bishop attacks the bishop on e2 and wants the light squares. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.39); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 88: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.e4 Qxb6 8.Be2 g6 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.O-O O-O 11.a4

up to 7.e4 as line 87

7…Qxb6: The queen wins back the pawn on b6 and stands right on the b-file.
8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
8…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays. (transposition)
11.a4: 11.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.47); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 89: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.a4 Qxb6 8.a5 Qc7 9.e4 g6 10.f4 c4 11.Nf3 Bg7 12.Ra4 Bb7 13.Be2 O-O 14.O-O Rab8 15.Kh1 Ba8

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 88

7.a4: White secures b6 with a4. You take at once with the queen.
7…Qxb6: Against a4 you take on b6 at once – the queen stands actively there and presses on b2.
8.a5: The pawn drives your queen away. It goes to c7 and stays active.
8…Qc7: The queen steps away from the pawn on a5 to c7 and stays on the diagonal towards h2.
9.e4: 9.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
9…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
10.f4: 10.f4 prepares e5 to drive away your knight on f6.
10…c4: 10...c4 gives your knight the square c5 and blocks the queenside – from c5 it eyes d3 and b3.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
11…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
12.Ra4: The rook goes to a4 and attacks the pawn on c4.
12…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5 – together with e6 the pawn becomes a target.
13.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
13…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
14.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
14…Rab8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
15.Kh1: The king goes to h1 and leaves the g1–a7 diagonal as a precaution.
15…Ba8: The bishop goes to a8 behind the queen – the battery aims at d5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.58); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 90: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.a4 Qxb6 8.a5 Qc7 9.e4 Rb8 10.Nf3 g6 11.Be2 Bg7 12.O-O O-O 13.Nd2 e6 14.Nc4 Ne5 15.Nxe5 dxe5

up to 9.e4 as line 89

9…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
10…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
13.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5. (transposition)
13…e6: 13...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
14.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3.
14…Ne5: The knight attacks the knight on c4 from e5 – it stands centrally.
15.Nxe5: White trades off your strong knight on e5.
15…dxe5: You recapture with the pawn and strengthen your centre. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.76); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 91: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 g6 8.e4

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 90

7.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
7…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
8.e4: 8.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.50); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 92: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 g6 8.a4 a5 9.e4

up to 7…g6 as line 91

8.a4: 8.a4 secures b5 for the knight and holds up your queenside pressure.
8…a5: 8...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and gives the knight the square b4.
9.e4: 9.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.61); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 93: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.Nc4 Qc7 12.Bf4 Nb6 13.Ne3 a5 14.a4 c4 15.O-O Nfd7

up to 6.Nc3 as line 92

6…Qxb6: The queen wins back the pawn on b6 and stands right on the b-file.
7.e4: 7.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
7…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
11.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks the queen on b6.
11…Qc7: The queen steps aside to c7 and covers d6 – from there she can later return to a5 or b6.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at d6, your backward pawn – that is why knight and queen often stand on c7 or e8.
12…Nb6: The knight attacks the knight on c4 and offers a trade.
13.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and covers c4 and d5 – White sets up his pieces against your knight.
13…a5: 13...a5 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
14.a4: 14.a4 holds up your pawn on a5 and secures b5 for the knight.
14…c4: 14...c4 gives your knight the square c5 and blocks the queenside – from c5 it eyes d3 and b3.
15.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
15…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to c5 – there it stands ideally in front of White's queenside.

Line 94: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.Nc4 Qc7 12.O-O Nb6 13.Ne3 e6 14.a4 a5 15.Rb1 Re8

up to 11…Qc7 as line 93

12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Nb6: The knight attacks the knight on c4 and offers a trade.
13.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and covers c4 and d5 – White sets up his pieces against your knight.
13…e6: 13...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
14.a4: 14.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
14…a5: 14...a5 holds up the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for your knight.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2 against your rooks and your bishop on g7 – so White can develop the bishop on c1.
15…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and keeps an eye on the push e5. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 95: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.O-O Qc7 12.a4 Rb8 13.a5 Ne8 14.Nc4 Ne5 15.Nb6 Nd7

up to 10…Nbd7 as line 94

11.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7: it covers d6, supports c4 and stays on the diagonal towards White's kingside.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
13.a5: 13.a5 gains more space on the queenside and takes b6 from your pieces. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.63); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.
13…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and frees the long diagonal for your bishop on g7 – the pressure on c3 grows.
14.Nc4: The knight on d2 jumps to c4 and wants to go to b6.
14…Ne5: Your knight comes to e5 and attacks the knight on c4.
15.Nb6: The knight jumps to b6 and attacks your bishop on c8.
15…Nd7: The knight goes back to d7 and attacks the knight on b6 – you want to trade it. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.45).

Line 96: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.O-O Qc7 12.Nc4

up to 11…Qc7 as line 95

12.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3. Stockfish: level (+0.21) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 97: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.a4 Rb8 12.O-O Ne8 13.Nc4 Qd8 14.Bd2 Ne5 15.b3 Nxc4

up to 10…Nbd7 as line 96

11.a4: 11.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7 and opens the bishop on g7.
13.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks the queen on b6.
13…Qd8: The queen retreats to d8 and covers d6 – she waits until the queenside opens again.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
14…Ne5: The knight attacks the knight on c4 and offers a trade.
15.b3: 15.b3 covers the knight on c4 – White keeps his best knight in play.
15…Nxc4: You trade on c4 and take White's knight that threatened b6 and d6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.38); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 98: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Be2 Nbd7

up to 9…O-O as line 97

10.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks the queen on b6.
10…Qc7: The queen steps aside to c7 and covers d6 – from there she can later return to a5 or b6.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.33); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 99: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.a4 Nbd7 11.a5 Qd8 12.Nc4 Ne8 13.h4 Nc7 14.h5 Rb8 15.Qg4 Ne5

up to 9…O-O as line 98

10.a4: 10.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
11.a5: 11.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside.
11…Qd8: The queen retreats to d8 and covers d6 – she waits until the queenside opens again.
12.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3.
12…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7 and opens the bishop on g7.
13.h4: 13.h4 attacks on the kingside while your pieces are on the queenside.
13…Nc7: The knight stands on c7: it covers b5 and a6 and can jump to b5 or e6.
14.h5: 14.h5 opens the h-file against your king – White attacks while you play on the queenside.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
15.Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks the knight on d7 – she stands in front of your king.
15…Ne5: The knight attacks the queen on g4 and the knight on c4 – a double attack with tempo.

Line 100: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.O-O Nbd7 11.Nd2

up to 8…Bg7 as line 99

9.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.57); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wants to go to c4, where it attacks your queen on b6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.42). (transposition)

Line 101: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nd2

up to 9…O-O as line 100

10.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.41); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 102: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Nf3 Bg7 9.a4 O-O 10.a5

up to 8…Bg7 as line 101

9.a4: 9.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
9…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.48); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.
10.a5: 10.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside. (transposition)

Line 103: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.a4 Bg7 9.a5 Qb4 10.Ra4 Qb7 11.Nf3 O-O 12.Be2 Bd7 13.Ra3 Bb5 14.O-O Nbd7 15.Nd2 Ne5

up to 7…g6 as line 102

8.a4: 8.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.a5: 9.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside.
9…Qb4: The queen goes to b4 and attacks the knight on c3 – she stays active.
10.Ra4: The rook attacks the queen and drives her from b4.
10…Qb7: The queen retreats to b7 and presses on b2 and d5.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
11…O-O: You castle – your king stands safely behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 will soon come to b8 on the half-open b-file, where your pressure for the pawn plays.
12.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
12…Bd7: The bishop attacks the rook on a4 and gains time for your development.
13.Ra3: The rook retreats to a3 and covers the third rank.
13…Bb5: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on e2 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
14.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
14…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
15.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
15…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4. Stockfish: level (+0.08) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 104: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.a4 Bg7 9.a5 Qb4 10.Ra4 Qb7 11.Nf3 O-O 12.Nd2 e6 13.Nc4 exd5 14.exd5 Bd7 15.Ra3 Bb5

up to 11…O-O as line 103

12.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
12…e6: 12...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand.
13.Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – an outpost only b3 can challenge; from there it presses on b2, d2 and e3.
13…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
14.exd5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
14…Bd7: The bishop attacks the rook on a4 and gains time for your development.
15.Ra3: The rook retreats to a3 and covers the third rank.
15…Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on c4 and wants to trade it.

Line 105: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.a4 Bg7 9.a5 Qb4 10.Ra4 Qb7 11.Bc4 Bd7 12.Ra3 Qb4 13.Qe2 Bb5 14.Bxb5 axb5 15.Qxb5 Nbd7

up to 10…Qb7 as line 104

11.Bc4: 11.Bc4 is inaccurate: the bishop stands badly on c4.
11…Bd7: The bishop attacks the rook on a4 and gains time for your development.
12.Ra3: The rook retreats to a3 and covers the third rank.
12…Qb4: The queen attacks bishop, knight and rook from b4 – White must defend accurately.
13.Qe2: White covers the bishop on c4 with the queen.
13…Bb5: The bishop attacks the bishop on c4 and offers a trade.
14.Bxb5: White trades on b5 to break the pin.
14…axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file for your rook.
15.Qxb5: White takes the pawn on b5 and then has the queen far out.
15…Nbd7: 15...Nbd7 develops; White is worse developed. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.64).

Line 106: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.a4 Bg7 9.a5 Qb4 10.Ra4 Qb7 11.Be2 Bd7 12.Ra3 Qb4 13.e5 Ne4 14.Nf3 O-O 15.O-O Qxa3

up to 10…Qb7 as line 105

11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares castling.
11…Bd7: The bishop attacks the rook on a4 – it has to move, and your bishop comes to b5.
12.Ra3: The rook retreats to a3 and covers c3 along the third rank.
12…Qb4: The queen returns to b4 and attacks the knight on c3 and the rook on a3.
13.e5: 13.e5 attacks your knight and wants to open the centre while your king is still in the middle.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and itself attacks the knight on c3.
14.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and covers e5.
14…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
15.O-O: White castles and leaves the rook on a3 – he hopes the queenside holds.
15…Qxa3: 15...Qxa3 takes the rook – White gets play against your king in return; the position stays level. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 107: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.e4 g6 8.Be2 Bg7 9.Nf3

up to 7…g6 as line 106

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares castling.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3; the position is a typical Benko structure with equal pawns. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.47); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 108: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.Nf3 g6 8.Nd2 Bg7 9.e4

up to 6…Qxb6 as line 107

7.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
7…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
8.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks your queen on b6 and the pawn on d6.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.e4: 9.e4 builds the centre with d5 and e4 – White prepares e5 against your knight on f6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.38); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 109: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.Nf3 g6 8.e4

up to 7…g6 as line 108

8.e4: 8.e4 builds the centre with d5 and e4 – White prepares e5 against your knight on f6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.54); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 110: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.Nf3 g6 8.a4 Bg7 9.a5 Qb7 10.e4 Bg4 11.Be2 Nbd7 12.O-O O-O 13.Ra3 Rab8 14.h3 Bxf3 15.gxf3 Ne8

up to 7…g6 as line 109

8.a4: 8.a4 threatens a5 to drive your queen off the b-file.
8…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
9.a5: 9.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside.
9…Qb7: The queen goes to b7 – it stays on the b-file and also presses on d5.
10.e4: 10.e4 builds the centre with d5 and e4 – White prepares e5 against your knight on f6.
10…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers e5 – you prepare e5 or knight to d7–e5.
11.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and breaks the pin.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 – to e5 or c5, where it stands centrally.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
13.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and covers a4 and c3 along the third rank – this is how White withstands your pressure on the a-file.
13…Rab8: The rook joins the queen on the b-file – together they press on b2.
14.h3: 14.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade on f3.
14…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and break up White's kingside pawns.
15.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn – doubled pawns on f3 and f2.
15…Ne8: The knight goes via e8 to c7 and on to b5 – from there it attacks c3 and d4.

Line 111: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 d6 6.Nc3 Qxb6 7.a4 g6 8.a5 Qb4 9.Ra4 Qb7 10.e4 Bg7

up to 6…Qxb6 as line 110

7.a4: 7.a4 threatens a5 to drive your queen off the b-file.
7…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
8.a5: 8.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside.
8…Qb4: The queen goes to b4 and attacks the knight on c3 – she stays active.
9.Ra4: The rook attacks the queen and drives her from b4.
9…Qb7: The queen goes to b7 and presses on d5 – she works with the bishop.
10.e4: 10.e4 builds the centre with d5 and e4 – White prepares e5 against your knight on f6.
10…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1. Stockfish: level (+0.28) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 112: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.O-O Rxb6 13.Qh5 d6 14.b3 Be6 15.Bxe6 fxe6 16.Qg4 Qc8 17.Bb2 e5

up to 5.b6 as line 111

5…e6: Instead of taking the pawn on b6 you attack the pawn on d5 at once with 5...e6 and open the bishop on f8.
6.Nc3: The knight comes to c3 and covers the pawn on d5.
6…Nxd5: Your knight takes on d5 and attacks the knight on c3.
7.Nxd5: White trades the knights on d5 – otherwise your knight would take the knight on c3.
7…exd5: You take back with the e-pawn – now your pawn stands on d5.
8.Qxd5: The queen takes the pawn on d5 and attacks your rook on a8 along the long diagonal.
8…Nc6: The knight comes to c6, blocks the diagonal in front of the rook and develops at the same time.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and prepares castling.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and takes aim at the pawn on b6.
10.e4: With 10.e4 White occupies the centre and opens the way for the bishop on f1.
10…Be7: The bishop comes to e7 – you want to castle quickly.
11.Bc4: The bishop comes to c4 and covers the queen on d5.
11…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety.
12.O-O: White castles short too – both kings are safe.
12…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level again.
13.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and eyes your pawns on f7 and h7.
13…d6: 13...d6 supports c5 and opens the diagonal for your bishop on c8.
14.b3: 14.b3 covers the bishop on c4 and prepares bishop to b2.
14…Be6: Your bishop comes to e6 and offers a trade for the bishop on c4.
15.Bxe6: White trades the bishops on e6 before your bishop takes the bishop on c4.
15…fxe6: You take back with the f-pawn – the f-file opens for your rook on f8 against the knight on f3.
16.Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks the pawn on e6.
16…Qc8: Your queen goes to c8 and covers the pawn on e6.
17.Bb2: The bishop comes to b2 onto the long diagonal and aims at g7.
17…e5: 17...e5 closes the long diagonal of the bishop on b2 – the pawn on e5 is covered by d6 and the knight on c6. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 113: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.O-O Rxb6 13.Qh5 d6 14.Rd1 Be6 15.Bxe6 fxe6 16.Qg4 Qc8

up to 13…d6 as line 112

14.Rd1: The rook comes to d1 onto the open d-file and presses on your pawn on d6.
14…Be6: Your bishop comes to e6 and attacks the undefended bishop on c4.
15.Bxe6: White trades the bishops on e6 before your bishop takes the bishop on c4.
15…fxe6: You take back with the f-pawn – the f-file opens for your rook on f8.
16.Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks the pawn on e6.
16…Qc8: Your queen goes to c8 and covers the pawn on e6 – the position is level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 114: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.O-O Rxb6 13.b3 Na5 14.Bf4 Bb7 15.Qd3 Nxc4

up to 12…Rxb6 as line 113

13.b3: 13.b3 covers the bishop on c4 and prepares bishop to b2 or bishop to a3.
13…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on c4.
14.Bf4: The bishop comes to f4 and eyes the squares c7 and b8.
14…Bb7: Your bishop comes to b7 and attacks the queen on d5.
15.Qd3: The queen goes back to d3 and still covers the bishop on c4.
15…Nxc4: Your knight takes the bishop on c4 – after the recapture you have the bishop pair. Stockfish: level (-0.11).

Line 115: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.Bd2 Rxb6 13.Bc3 Nb4 14.Qd2 Bb7 15.O-O-O d5

up to 11…O-O as line 114

12.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2 and leaves the king in the centre for now.
12…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level, and your rook attacks b2.
13.Bc3: The bishop comes to c3, covers b2 and aims at g7 along the long diagonal.
13…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the queen on d5.
14.Qd2: The queen goes back to d2 and covers the bishop on c3 there.
14…Bb7: Your bishop comes to b7 and attacks the pawn on e4.
15.O-O-O: White castles long – the kings stand on opposite sides.
15…d5: 15...d5 is your counter-thrust in the centre: the pawn attacks the undefended bishop on c4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 116: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.Bd2 Rxb6 13.O-O d6 14.Bc3 Be6 15.Qd3 Bxc4

up to 12…Rxb6 as line 115

13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
13…d6: 13...d6 supports c5 and opens the diagonal for your bishop on c8.
14.Bc3: The bishop comes to c3 onto the long diagonal and covers b2.
14…Be6: Your bishop comes to e6 and attacks the queen on d5.
15.Qd3: The queen goes back to d3 and covers the bishop on c4.
15…Bxc4: Your bishop takes the bishop on c4 and attacks the queen – White takes back with the queen. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 117: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.e4 Be7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.Qh5 Rxb6 13.O-O

up to 11…O-O as line 116

12.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and eyes your pawns on f7 and h7.
12…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level again.
13.O-O: White castles short – both kings are safe, and you are fully in the game. Stockfish: level (+0.07). (transposition)

Line 118: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.Ne5 Qf6 11.Nxc6 dxc6 12.Qe4 Be7 13.g3 O-O 14.Bg2 Bf5 15.Qe3 Rxb6

up to 9…Rb8 as line 117

10.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks your knight on c6.
10…Qf6: Your queen comes to f6 and attacks the knight on e5 and the pawn on f2.
11.Nxc6: White takes your knight on c6 and so attacks the rook on b8.
11…dxc6: You take back with the d-pawn and attack the queen on d5.
12.Qe4: The queen goes to e4 and gives you check on the e-file.
12…Be7: The bishop steps to e7 and develops at the same time.
13.g3: 13.g3 prepares the bishop on g2 – from there it will later cover the queen on e4.
13…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety.
14.Bg2: The bishop stands on g2 on the long diagonal.
14…Bf5: Your bishop comes to f5 and attacks the queen on e4.
15.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks your bishop on e7, which your queen on f6 covers.
15…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level, and the rook presses on b2. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 119: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.Ne5 Qf6 11.Nxc6 dxc6 12.Qf3 Be7 13.Bd2 Qxb2 14.Bc3 Qxb6 15.e4 Be6

up to 11…dxc6 as line 118

12.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and offers a queen trade.
12…Be7: You avoid the trade and develop the bishop to e7.
13.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 – the pawn on b2 is left undefended.
13…Qxb2: Your queen takes the pawn on b2 and attacks the rook on a1 and the bishop on d2.
14.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks your queen.
14…Qxb6: The queen also takes the pawn on b6 – you are now a pawn up.
15.e4: With 15.e4 White occupies the centre and wants to bring the pieces into play quickly.
15…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 – you are a pawn up, but your king is still in the centre. Stockfish: level (-0.01).

Line 120: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.Bd2 Be7 11.Bc3 O-O 12.e4 Rxb6 13.Bc4

up to 9…Rb8 as line 119

10.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2 and wants to put it on c3.
10…Be7: The bishop comes to e7 – you want to castle quickly.
11.Bc3: The bishop stands on c3 on the long diagonal and aims at g7.
11…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety.
12.e4: With 12.e4 White occupies the centre and opens the way for the bishop on f1.
12…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level again.
13.Bc4: The bishop comes to c4 and covers the queen on d5 – the position is level. Stockfish: level (+0.08). (transposition)

Line 121: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Nf3 Rb8 10.Bg5 Be7 11.Bxe7 Qxe7 12.e3 Rxb6 13.b3 Bb7 14.Rc1 d6 15.Qd2 O-O

up to 9…Rb8 as line 120

10.Bg5: The bishop comes to g5 and attacks your queen on d8.
10…Be7: Your bishop steps in between on e7 and attacks the bishop on g5.
11.Bxe7: White trades the bishops on e7 – your king stays in the centre for the moment.
11…Qxe7: The queen takes back on e7 and stands well there.
12.e3: 12.e3 opens the way for the bishop on f1 and covers the square d4.
12…Rxb6: The rook takes the pawn on b6 – material is level again.
13.b3: 13.b3 takes the pawn out of your rook's attack – on b3 the pawn on a2 covers it.
13…Bb7: Your bishop comes to b7 – if the knight on c6 moves away, it attacks the queen on d5.
14.Rc1: The rook comes to c1 and presses on your pawn on c5.
14…d6: 14...d6 covers the pawn on c5 against the rook on c1 – your position is solid.
15.Qd2: The queen goes back to d2 before a move of the knight on c6 uncovers an attack on her.
15…O-O: You castle short – your pieces stand well, and the position is level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 122: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.e4 Be7 10.Bc4 O-O 11.Nf3 Rb8

up to 8…Nc6 as line 121

9.e4: With 9.e4 White occupies the centre and opens the diagonal for the bishop on f1.
9…Be7: The bishop comes to e7 – you want to castle quickly.
10.Bc4: The bishop comes to c4 and covers the queen on d5.
10…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety.
11.Nf3: The knight comes to f3 and prepares castling.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and takes aim at the pawn on b6. Stockfish: level (+0.12). (transposition)

Line 123: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6 e6 6.Nc3 Nxd5 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Nc6 9.Bg5 Qxb6 10.Qe4 Be7 11.Bxe7 Nxe7

up to 8…Nc6 as line 122

9.Bg5: An inaccurate move: the bishop attacks your queen, but it has left the pawn on b2 behind.
9…Qxb6: The queen takes the pawn on b6 and at once attacks the undefended pawn on b2.
10.Qe4: The queen goes to e4 and gives check – she also attacks your knight on c6.
10…Be7: The bishop steps in between on e7 and attacks the bishop on g5.
11.Bxe7: White trades the bishops on e7 before your bishop takes the bishop on g5.
11…Nxe7: The knight takes back – White has not developed a piece yet, and the pawn on b2 is hanging. Stockfish sees you ahead (-1.15).

Line 124: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Bc4 axb5 9.Bxb5 Bb7 10.Nge2 Na6 11.e4 Nc7 12.Bc4 Ba6 13.Bxa6 Rxa6 14.O-O Qa8 15.Qc2 d6

up to 4…a6 as line 123

5.e3: The Modern Variation: with e3 White opens the f1 bishop and wants to support b5 with the bishop. Stockfish rates it as White's best move (+0.65).
5…g6: The typical Benko fianchetto. Stockfish prefers e6 against d5 only by a hair.
6.Nc3: White protects d5 and keeps an eye on b5.
6…Bg7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal and aims at c3 and b2.
7.a4: White supports the b5 pawn with a4 so that it does not simply drop.
7…O-O: You get the king to safety first. Stockfish prefers to raise the pressure on d5 with Bb7 first.
8.Bc4: The bishop adds a guard to b5. Stockfish finds this inaccurate (+0.36).
8…axb5: You open the a-file: after Bxb5 White's bishop on b5 stands in the way of your rooks.
9.Bxb5: White takes back with the bishop and keeps the extra pawn.
9…Bb7: The bishop presses on d5. Stockfish would have attacked the centre first with e6.
10.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and covers c3 and d4 – White keeps the f-pawn free for f4.
10…Na6: Stockfish brings the knight via a6 to c7 or b4 – from there it attacks the b5 bishop and the d5 square.
11.e4: 11.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and attacks the bishop on b5 – you want to win back the pawn on b5.
12.Bc4: The bishop retreats to c4 and covers d5 – it stays on the diagonal against f7.
12…Ba6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on c4 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
13.Bxa6: White trades bishops on a6 – your strong bishop disappears, but your knight joins the game.
13…Rxa6: You recapture with the rook – it stands actively on the a-file.
14.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
14…Qa8: 14...Qa8 – queen and rook on the a-file press on a4.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers e4 and the second rank against your rooks.
15…d6: 15...d6 prevents e5 and holds the centre – only then does your queenside play come. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.51); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 125: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Bc4 axb5 9.Bxb5 e6 10.dxe6 fxe6 11.Nh3 Na6 12.Ra3 Bb7 13.O-O d5 14.Ng5 Nc7 15.Be2 Qe7

up to 9.Bxb5 as line 124

9…e6: e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – besides the pressure on the a- and b-files this is your second lever.
10.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
10…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn: your centre with e6 and soon d5 becomes strong, and the f-file opens for the rook on f8.
11.Nh3: The knight goes to h3 and on to f4 or g5 – from there it attacks e6.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7, where it covers b5 and e6.
12.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and covers a4 and c3 along the third rank – this is how White withstands your pressure on the a-file.
12…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5.
13.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
13…d5: 13...d5 builds a pawn centre with d5 and e6 – you trade the queenside pressure for a firm centre.
14.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks e6 – White aims at the weakness behind your centre.
14…Nc7: The knight attacks the bishop on b5 and covers e6 – it does two jobs at once.
15.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2 and covers g4 and the knight on g5.
15…Qe7: The queen covers e6 and connects the rooks – your position is solid.

Line 126: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Bc4 axb5 9.Nxb5 e6 10.Ne2 exd5 11.Bxd5 Nc6 12.O-O Ba6 13.Rb1 Nxd5 14.Qxd5 Qb6 15.Bd2 Na7

up to 8…axb5 as line 125

9.Nxb5: Taking back with the knight is weaker: Stockfish sees equality (0.0).
9…e6: Now Stockfish strikes with e6 against d5; after Ne2 exd5 Bxd5 Nc6 you are fully in the game.
10.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and supports d4 and c3 – it holds the centre together.
10…exd5: You trade on d5 and attack the bishop on c4 – the centre opens for your pieces.
11.Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks the rook on a8 – you must cover it.
11…Nc6: 11...Nc6 covers the rook on a8 and develops a piece with tempo.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on b5 and wants to trade it.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the pawn on b2 against your rooks on the b-file.
13…Nxd5: You trade the strong bishop on d5 that aimed at a8 and f7.
14.Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on c6 – she stands centrally but exposed.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the knight on b5 – your pressure on the b-file begins.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
15…Na7: 15...Na7 attacks the knight on b5 once more – it has no good retreat.

Line 127: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.Ra3 e6 10.dxe6 dxe6 11.Bd2 Nd5 12.Nxd5 exd5 13.Qc2 c4 14.Be2 axb5 15.axb5 Qb6

up to 7…O-O as line 126

8.Nf3: White develops the knight – inaccurate according to Stockfish; e4 was stronger.
8…Bb7: The bishop aims at d5 and the long diagonal – with e6 you then want to open the centre.
9.Ra3: The rook protects c3 from the side.
9…e6: The lever against d5 – the diagonals open for your bishops.
10.dxe6: White exchanges on e6. The diagonals open for your bishops.
10…dxe6: Recapture with the d-pawn: the d-file opens and Stockfish plans Nd5.
11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 against your bishop on b4.
11…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and offers a trade – you want to end White's pressure on d5.
12.Nxd5: White trades on d5 to get rid of your central knight.
12…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and have a centre with d5.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes c5 and h7.
13…c4: 13...c4 makes the pawn a strong wedge on the queenside.
14.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
14…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
15.axb5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
15…Qb6: The queen attacks the pawn on b5 – you want to win the pawn back. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.30); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 128: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.e4 e6 10.Be2 exd5 11.exd5 axb5 12.Bxb5 Qe7 13.Be2 Na6 14.d6 Qe6 15.O-O Nb4

up to 8…Bb7 as line 127

9.e4: White supports d5 with e4.
9…e6: You attack d5 anyway. Stockfish shows Be2 exd5 exd5 axb5 Bxb5.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
10…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
11.exd5: White recaptures with the pawn and has a passed pawn on d5.
11…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
12.Bxb5: White recaptures on b5 and stands actively – but the piece on b5 will soon be your target.
12…Qe7: The queen gives check on e7 and disturbs White's castling.
13.Be2: The bishop blocks the check on e2 and prepares castling.
13…Na6: The knight goes to a6 – via b4 it wants to reach d5 or c2.
14.d6: 14.d6 drives your queen from the b-file and gains space.
14…Qe6: The queen goes to e6 and attacks the bishop on e2 – she blockades the passed pawn on d6.
15.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
15…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and eyes d5 and c2 – it invades White's position.

Line 129: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.Be2 axb5 10.Bxb5 e6 11.dxe6 fxe6 12.O-O d5 13.Bd2 Nc6 14.Rc1 Qe7 15.Bxc6 Bxc6

up to 8…Bb7 as line 128

9.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
9…axb5: You exchange on b5 and open the a-file.
10.Bxb5: White recaptures on b5 and stands actively – but the piece on b5 will soon be your target.
10…e6: The lever against d5.
11.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
11…fxe6: Recapture with the f-pawn: the f-file opens and Stockfish plans d5 with a strong centre.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…d5: 12...d5 builds a pawn centre with d5 and e6 – you trade the queenside pressure for a firm centre.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
13…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks b4 and d4 – it stands actively in the centre.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and eyes c5 and your knight on c6.
14…Qe7: The queen connects the rooks and covers e6 – your centre stands.
15.Bxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you the bishop pair – in return you get a weak pawn on c6.
15…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop – the bishop pair is yours. Stockfish: level (+0.25) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 130: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.Rb1 e6 10.dxe6 fxe6 11.Be2 axb5 12.axb5 Ne4 13.Bd2 Nxd2 14.Qxd2 d5 15.O-O Nd7

up to 8…Bb7 as line 129

9.Rb1: White protects b2 with the rook in advance.
9…e6: Again the lever e6 against White's centre.
10.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
10…fxe6: You take back with the f-pawn and keep d5 in reserve. Stockfish slightly prefers dxe6.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…axb5: First open the a-file.
12.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file is now open – one target less on a2 for your rook a8, but a way to a1.
12…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4; Stockfish continues with d5.
13.Bd2: The bishop attacks the knight on e4 and covers the knight on c3.
13…Nxd2: You trade on d2 and get the bishop pair – a lasting advantage in open play.
14.Qxd2: The queen recaptures and stands actively again on d2.
14…d5: 14...d5 builds a pawn centre with d5 and e6 – you trade the queenside pressure for a firm centre.
15.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to c5 or b6 – there it covers d5 and eyes a4.

Line 131: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.bxa6 Nxa6 10.Bc4 e6 11.O-O Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.Bxd5 exd5 14.Qxd5 Qe7 15.Rb1 Nb4

up to 8…Bb7 as line 130

9.bxa6: White takes the pawn, but Stockfish sees almost equality after it (+0.1).
9…Nxa6: Recapture with the knight – later it goes to b4 or c7.
10.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and attacks the knight on a6 – it also aims at f7.
10…e6: The lever against d5.
11.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
11…Nxd5: Stockfish exchanges on d5 – the position is equal (+0.14).
12.Nxd5: White trades on d5 to simplify and reduce your pressure.
12…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop and attack the bishop on c4.
13.Bxd5: White trades bishops and attacks the rook on a8 – you must move accurately.
13…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and strengthen your centre.
14.Qxd5: The queen takes the pawn on d5 and attacks the rook on a8.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and connects the rooks – the rook on a8 is covered.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the pawn on b2 against your rooks on the b-file.
15…Nb4: The knight attacks the queen on d5 and gains a tempo.

Line 132: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Nf3 Bb7 9.Bc4 axb5 10.Bxb5

up to 8…Bb7 as line 131

9.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and supports the pawn on b5 – White wants to keep the gambit pawn.
9…axb5: Exchange on b5 first, then comes e6.
10.Bxb5: The bishop recaptures on b5 – White stays a pawn up, but you are ahead in development. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.35); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 133: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.e4 Bb7 9.e5 Ne8 10.Nf3 d6 11.h4 axb5 12.Bxb5 Nc7 13.Bf4 dxe5 14.Bxe5 Nxb5 15.axb5 Bxd5

up to 7…O-O as line 132

8.e4: 8.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
8…Bb7: The bishop presses on d5 and e4.
9.e5: 9.e5 attacks the knight on f6 and gains space – White plays sharply.
9…Ne8: The knight retreats to e8 – from there to c7.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and covers the pawn on e5.
10…d6: 10...d6 attacks the pawn on e5 and opens the centre.
11.h4: 11.h4 prepares h5 against your king – White attacks.
11…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
12.Bxb5: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on e8 – it stands actively on b5.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and attacks the bishop on b5 – it covers d5 at the same time.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the pawn on e5.
13…dxe5: You take on e5 and attack the bishop on f4 – the centre opens.
14.Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks your bishop on g7 and the knight on c7.
14…Nxb5: You trade the bishop on b5 and open the a-file for your rook.
15.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file is now open – one target less on a2 for your rook a8, but a way to a1.
15…Bxd5: You take the pawn on d5 – the gambit pawn is back. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.38); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 134: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Ra3 d6 9.Nf3 e6 10.dxe6 Bxe6 11.Be2 axb5 12.axb5 Rxa3 13.bxa3 Qa5 14.Qd2 Nbd7 15.O-O Nb6

up to 7…O-O as line 133

8.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and covers a4 and c3 along the third rank – this is how White withstands your pressure on the a-file.
8…d6: You support the centre; Stockfish thought of e6.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…e6: e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – besides the pressure on the a- and b-files this is your second lever.
10.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
10…Bxe6: You recapture with the bishop – it stands actively on e6.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
12.axb5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
12…Rxa3: You trade rooks on a3 and weaken White's pawns.
13.bxa3: White recaptures with the b-pawn – a3 and c3 are weak.
13…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on c3 – after the rook trade c3 is weak.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3.
14…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
15.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
15…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and eyes c4 and a4.

Line 135: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 O-O 8.Qb3 e6 9.dxe6 fxe6 10.Nf3 Bb7 11.Be2 axb5 12.Nxb5 Na6 13.O-O Ne4 14.Qd1 Qe7 15.Ne1 d5

up to 7…O-O as line 134

8.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and supports the pawn on b5 – White wants to keep the pawn.
8…e6: e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – besides the pressure on the a- and b-files this is your second lever.
9.dxe6: White trades on e6 so that you do not get a strong centre with exd5.
9…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn: your centre with e6 and soon d5 becomes strong, and the f-file opens for the rook on f8.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
10…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and eyes f3.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
12.Nxb5: White recaptures on b5 and stands actively – but the piece on b5 will soon be your target.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7 – it attacks b5.
13.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 into the centre and attacks c3 and d2.
14.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1, out of reach of your pieces.
14…Qe7: The queen connects the rooks – both can now go to the a- and b-files.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 to regroup via d3 – there it covers c5 and e5.
15…d5: 15...d5 builds a pawn centre and takes space from White.

Line 136: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.a4 Bb7 8.e4 e6 9.Bc4 O-O 10.Nge2 axb5 11.Bxb5 Na6 12.Bc4 Nb4 13.O-O Re8 14.Ra3 Qb6 15.Nf4 Ba6

up to 7.a4 as line 135

7…Bb7: Your bishop comes to b7 and attacks the pawn on d5.
8.e4: 8.e4 covers the pawn on d5 and occupies the centre.
8…e6: 8...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 a second time.
9.Bc4: The bishop comes to c4 and covers the pawns on d5 and b5.
9…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety.
10.Nge2: The knight comes to e2 and covers the squares c3 and d4.
10…axb5: You take on b5 and attack the bishop on c4 as you do so.
11.Bxb5: The bishop takes back on b5 – White stays a pawn up.
11…Na6: The knight comes to a6 and wants to go on to b4.
12.Bc4: The bishop goes back to c4 and attacks your knight on a6.
12…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 – it stands strongly there and eyes d3 and c2.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
13…Re8: The rook comes to e8 and supports the pawn on e6 – after exd5 the e-file opens for it.
14.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and covers the knight on c3 from the side.
14…Qb6: Your queen comes to b6 and supports the knight on b4 and the pawn on c5.
15.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and eyes the squares e6 and g6.
15…Ba6: Your bishop comes to a6 and attacks the undefended bishop on c4. Stockfish: level (+0.25).

Line 137: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.a4

up to 6…Bg7 as line 136

7.Nf3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White should have played e4.
7…O-O: Castle short – safety first, then the queenside.
8.a4: Transposition to a4 O-O Nf3 – the course goes on there. (transposition)

Line 138: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.Be2 axb5 9.Bxb5 Ne4 10.Bd2 Nxc3 11.Bxc3 Bxc3 12.bxc3 Qa5 13.Qd3 Ba6 14.Bxa6 Qxa6 15.c4 d6

up to 7…O-O as line 137

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
8…axb5: You open the a-file.
9.Bxb5: White recaptures on b5 and stands actively – but the piece on b5 will soon be your target.
9…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 – it disturbs White's development.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3 – often necessary against your queen on a5 and your bishop on g7.
10…Nxc3: You trade on c3 and attack the queen – White gets doubled pawns.
11.Bxc3: White recaptures with the bishop – it now stands on the long diagonal against your queenside.
11…Bxc3: You trade bishops with check and weaken White's pawns.
12.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn – the pawn on c3 becomes weak.
12…Qa5: The queen attacks the bishop on b5 – you want to win back the pawn.
13.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and covers the bishop on b5.
13…Ba6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on b5 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
14.Bxa6: White trades bishops – the light squares are now yours.
14…Qxa6: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade – in the endgame you have the better queenside.
15.c4: 15.c4 avoids the queen trade and supports d5.
15…d6: 15...d6 stops the push e5 and holds the centre.

Line 139: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 O-O 8.bxa6 d6 9.Be2 Bxa6 10.O-O Nbd7 11.Bxa6 Rxa6 12.e4 Qa8 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bd2 Rb8 15.Rb1 Nf8

up to 7…O-O as line 138

8.bxa6: White takes the second pawn too – the classic Benko Gambit Accepted: you win a6 back and get the open queenside files for it.
8…d6: 8...d6 opens the bishop on c8, which is to win back the pawn on a6.
9.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
9…Bxa6: You win back the pawn on a6 with the bishop and attack the bishop on e2.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
11.Bxa6: White trades bishops on a6 – your strong bishop disappears, but your knight joins the game.
11…Rxa6: You recapture with the rook; it then stands actively on the open file.
12.e4: 12.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
12…Qa8: Qa8 puts the queen behind the rook: the battery on the a-file presses on a2 and a4.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6 and wants to trade it.
13…h6: 13...h6 drives the bishop away before it can take on f6.
14.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2 and covers c3.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and presses on b2 – the heart of Benko play.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the pawn on b2 against your rooks on the b-file.
15…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and on to e6 or d7 – it covers the kingside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.37); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 140: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 d6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.a4 axb5 10.Bxb5 Ba6 11.Bd2 Bxb5 12.axb5 Rxa1 13.Qxa1 Qb6 14.O-O Nbd7 15.Re1 Rb8

up to 6…Bg7 as line 139

7.e4: White builds a big centre.
7…d6: You keep e5 under control.
8.Nf3: White has a strong centre. You castle and then open the a-file.
8…O-O: Castle.
9.a4: White secures b5 with a4. Stockfish finds it inaccurate.
9…axb5: You open the a-file. Stockfish prefers to attack the centre with e6.
10.Bxb5: The bishop stands on b5. With the bishop to a6 you trade it off.
10…Ba6: The typical Benko move: you trade off White's bishop.
11.Bd2: An error according to Stockfish (loss 0.51); Bf4 was better. After Bxb5 axb5 Rxa1 Qxa1 you are close to equality (+0.33).
11…Bxb5: Exchange – afterwards the rooks come off on the a-file.
12.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file is now open – one target less on a2 for your rook a8, but a way to a1.
12…Rxa1: You trade rooks on a1 – the a-file is then yours.
13.Qxa1: The queen recaptures on a1 and stands actively again on the long diagonal.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on b5 – you want to win it back.
14.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
14…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
15…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 against the pawn on b5 – now two pieces attack it. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.37); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.

Line 141: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e4 d6 8.a4 O-O 9.Nf3

up to 7…d6 as line 140

8.a4: 8.a4 supports the pawn on b5 – White wants to keep the gambit pawn. Stockfish sees White ahead (+0.90) – here you must play precisely.
8…O-O: Castle.
9.Nf3: Transposition to e4 d6 Nf3 O-O a4 – the course goes on there. (transposition)

Line 142: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 O-O 8.Nge2 Ne8 9.Bd3 axb5 10.Nxb5 Ba6 11.Nec3 Nc7 12.O-O Bxb5 13.Nxb5 Nxd5 14.Bxg6 hxg6 15.Qxd5 Na6

up to 6…Bg7 as line 141

7.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and supports the pawn on b5 – it also aims at f7.
7…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
8.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and covers c3 and d4 – from there it can go to f4.
8…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
9.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and covers the pawn on b5.
9…axb5: You take on b5 and open the a-file for your rook on a8 – the pawn on a2 becomes a target.
10.Nxb5: White recaptures on b5 and stands actively – but the piece on b5 will soon be your target.
10…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on b5 – you want the pawn back.
11.Nec3: The other knight covers the knight on b5.
11…Nc7: The knight attacks b5 a second time – White does not have enough defenders.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Bxb5: You trade on b5 and then win back the pawn on d5.
13.Nxb5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
13…Nxd5: You take the pawn on d5 with the knight – the gambit pawn is back.
14.Bxg6: White takes on g6 and opens your kingside.
14…hxg6: You take back the bishop on g6 – the h-file is open for your rook.
15.Qxd5: The queen takes the knight on d5 and attacks the rook on a8.
15…Na6: The knight covers the rook on a8 and heads for c7 or b4.

Line 143: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.bxa6 O-O 8.Nf3

up to 6…Bg7 as line 142

7.bxa6: White takes the second pawn too – the classic Benko Gambit Accepted: you win a6 back and get the open queenside files for it.
7…O-O: You castle and win back the pawn later – development first, material afterwards.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.43); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 144: 4.cxb5 a6 5.f3 axb5 6.e4 Qa5 7.Bd2 b4 8.Na3 d6 9.Nc4 Qd8 10.Bd3 e6 11.dxe6 Bxe6 12.Ne2 d5 13.exd5 Nxd5 14.O-O Be7 15.Qc2 Nc6

up to 4…a6 as line 143

5.f3: The Dlugy Variation: White wants to build a big centre with e4. Stockfish finds it weaker (+0.22).
5…axb5: You take the pawn back, because f3 did nothing for b5.
6.e4: White builds the centre.
6…Qa5: Check! The queen forces White to decide how to block the diagonal.
7.Bd2: The normal move: the bishop blocks the check and attacks your queen at the same time.
7…b4: The pawn goes to b4, shuts out the d2 bishop and takes c3 away from the knight.
8.Na3: The knight heads for c4 via a3.
8…d6: You keep e5 under control. Stockfish slightly prefers e6 – the position is equal (+0.06).
9.Nc4: The knight attacks your queen.
9…Qd8: The queen goes back to d8. Stockfish thinks of Ne3 e6 afterwards – a slight edge for White (+0.23).
10.Bd3: Inaccurate: Stockfish sees Black slightly ahead (−0.1); a3 would have been better.
10…e6: Now the lever against d5.
11.dxe6: White exchanges on e6 – Stockfish now even sees Black slightly ahead.
11…Bxe6: You take back with the bishop and keep d5 ready. Stockfish slightly prefers fxe6.
12.Ne2: White develops. The position is level.
12…d5: The freeing move: you dissolve White's centre.
13.exd5: White takes on d5 and attacks the bishop on e6 – he opens the centre.
13…Nxd5: Recapture with the knight; Stockfish slightly prefers Bxd5.
14.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
14…Be7: Develop and castle.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2: it covers e4 and the second rank against your rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.01) – your play makes up for the pawn.
15…Nc6: The last knight comes into play – the position is equal (0.0).

Line 145: 4.cxb5 a6 5.f3 axb5 6.e4 Qa5 7.Bd2 b4 8.Na3 d6 9.Nc4 Qd8 10.a3 e6 11.dxe6 Bxe6 12.axb4 Rxa1 13.Qxa1 d5 14.exd5 Nxd5 15.Ne5 Bd6

up to 9…Qd8 as line 144

10.a3: White attacks the b4 pawn.
10…e6: Instead of guarding b4 you strike at d5.
11.dxe6: White takes but gives up the centre (−0.09).
11…Bxe6: Recapture – your bishop stands actively on e6.
12.axb4: White takes on b4 and opens the a-file for your rook.
12…Rxa1: Rook trade on the a-file.
13.Qxa1: The queen recaptures on a1 and stands actively again on the long diagonal.
13…d5: With d5 you get your share of the centre – equal (0.0).
14.exd5: White takes on d5 and attacks the bishop on e6 – he opens the centre.
14…Nxd5: The knight stands in the centre, the position is equal.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5: there it stands centrally, eyes c4, d3 and f3 and can only be driven away with f4.
15…Bd6: The bishop attacks the knight on e5 and covers the kingside.

Line 146: 4.cxb5 a6 5.f3 axb5 6.e4 Qa5 7.b4 Qxb4 8.Bd2 Qa4 9.Qc1 b4 10.Qxc5 Na6 11.Bxa6 Bxa6 12.Qxb4 Qxb4 13.Bxb4 g6 14.Bc3 Bg7 15.a4 e6

up to 6…Qa5 as line 145

7.b4: White blocks the check with the pawn – an error according to Stockfish, now Black is better (−0.5).
7…Qxb4: You take with the queen and give check. Stockfish prefers cxb4.
8.Bd2: The bishop attacks the queen on b4 and gains time for development.
8…Qa4: The queen keeps the pressure on a2 and d1.
9.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and eyes c5.
9…b4: The pawn moves on; after Qxc5 Na6 you have good pieces.
10.Qxc5: The queen takes the pawn on c5 and attacks the bishop on c8.
10…Na6: The knight attacks the queen; after Bxa6 Bxa6 your bishop is strong on the a6–f1 diagonal – Black is slightly better (−0.15).
11.Bxa6: White gives the bishop for the knight on a6 – he doubles your pawns.
11…Bxa6: You recapture with the bishop – it stands actively on a6.
12.Qxb4: The queen takes the pawn on b4 and offers a queen trade.
12…Qxb4: You trade queens – in the endgame you stand well thanks to the bishop pair.
13.Bxb4: The bishop recaptures on b4 and stands actively.
13…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
14.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 onto the long diagonal against your bishop on g7.
14…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
15.a4: 15.a4 protects the pawn and secures the square b5.
15…e6: 15...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 – if the centre opens, your better developed pieces gain the upper hand. Stockfish: level (0) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 147: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Bf4 g5 9.Bxg5 Nxe4 10.Bf4 Nf6 11.Bc4 Bg7

up to 4…a6 as line 146

5.Nc3: The Zaitsev System: White gives back the b5 pawn to build a centre quickly with e4. Black won almost half of the games here.
5…axb5: You take the pawn back – now b5 is no longer hanging but a threat to White.
6.e4: White goes for quick development and the centre; Stockfish sees equality (−0.01).
6…b4: The pawn drives the knight away from c3 – now White lacks a defender of e4.
7.Nb5: The Nescafe Frappe Attack: the knight jumps to b5 and thinks of Nc7+.
7…d6: You keep control of e5 and open the c8 bishop.
8.Bf4: White attacks d6 and thinks of e5. According to Stockfish an error (loss 0.52) – now comes your point.
8…g5: The point! The pawn attacks the bishop: if White takes on g5, the e4 pawn falls; if the bishop retreats, it has lost time. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (-0.48).
9.Bxg5: White takes the pawn, but now e4 falls – Black is clearly better (−0.99).
9…Nxe4: The knight takes e4 and attacks the g5 bishop at the same time.
10.Bf4: The bishop retreats; Black is still better (−1.14).
10…Nf6: The knight returns to f6, controls d5 and guards the kingside. The pawn has been regained, and Black is better.
11.Bc4: Inaccurate: Stockfish now sees Black clearly ahead (−1.67).
11…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 – you are developed and have a very good position.

Line 148: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Bf4 g5 9.Be3 Nxe4 10.Bd3 Qa5 11.Qe2 b3 12.Kd1 Bg7 13.Bxe4 Ba6 14.Bd3 Qxa2 15.Rc1 O-O

up to 8…g5 as line 147

9.Be3: Here too White loses the e4 pawn (−0.85).
9…Nxe4: The e4 pawn is unprotected – you take it.
10.Bd3: 10.Bd3 is a mistake: White loses time instead of finishing his development.
10…Qa5: Check with the queen; Stockfish slightly prefers Qb6. Black is better (−0.65).
11.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks the knight on e4.
11…b3: 11...b3 opens the queenside against White's king.
12.Kd1: The king goes to d1 – it can no longer castle and stands unsafely.
12…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
13.Bxe4: White takes the knight on e4 and wins back the material.
13…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on b5 – you want the pawn back.
14.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and covers b5.
14…Qxa2: The queen takes the pawn on a2 and attacks the rook on a1.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c3 against your bishop on g7.
15…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file. Stockfish: level (-0.01) – your play makes up for the pawn.

Line 149: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Bf4 g5 9.e5 gxf4 10.exf6 Nd7 11.fxe7 Qxe7

up to 8…g5 as line 148

9.e5: A trap for White! e5 looks like an attack, but after gxf4 exf6 material is level only for the moment: after Nd7 the f6 pawn falls, and Stockfish sees Black clearly ahead (−2.12). Bc1 was better.
9…gxf4: Of course you take the bishop.
10.exf6: White wins the piece back and attacks e7.
10…Nd7: The knight attacks f6: in Stockfish's line Nf3 Nxf6 Bc4 Bg7 you win the pawn and have the better game (−2.03).
11.fxe7: The frequent mistake: after fxe7 you recapture with Qxe7+, a check on the open e-file – White's king is still in the centre, and Stockfish sees Black almost winning (−3.7). Nf3 was better.
11…Qxe7: Recapture with check! Your f8 bishop is free, the queen is active, and Black won every game.

Line 150: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Nf3 g6 9.Bc4 Bg7 10.O-O O-O 11.Re1 Bg4 12.a4 Nbd7 13.h3 Bxf3 14.gxf3 Nb6 15.Be2 Qd7

up to 7…d6 as line 149

8.Nf3: White's best move: he develops and covers e5. Stockfish sees equality (0.0).
8…g6: Fianchetto. Stockfish rates Nxe4 as equally good.
9.Bc4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish (−0.46) – Bd3 was better.
9…Bg7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…O-O: You castle. Stockfish would have played Nxe4 first.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers e5 and d4.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
12…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
13.h3: 13.h3 attacks the bishop and asks whether you trade on f3.
13…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away White's knight that covers e5 and d4.
14.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn – White's king is then exposed.
14…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4 and gains a tempo.
15.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2 and covers f3.
15…Qd7: The queen attacks the knight on b5 – you want the pawn back. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.41).

Line 151: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Nf3 g6 9.e5 dxe5 10.Nxe5 Bg7 11.Bc4 O-O 12.O-O Nfd7 13.Nxf7 Rxf7 14.d6 Ne5 15.Bxf7 Nxf7

up to 8…g6 as line 150

9.e5: White opens the centre while your king is still in the middle.
9…dxe5: You take on e5 – the d5 pawn loses its support.
10.Nxe5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish (−0.66).
10…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 and attacks the e5 knight.
11.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and aims at f7 – White plans d6.
11…O-O: Castle – now your king is safe.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Nfd7: Stockfish attacks the e5 knight. After Nxf7 Rxf7 d6 it gets sharp, but Black is better (−0.38).
13.Nxf7: White sacrifices the knight on f7 to open your king.
13…Rxf7: You take with the rook – the knight on f7 was too greedy.
14.d6: 14.d6 opens the diagonal of the bishop on c4 against f7.
14…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the bishop on c4.
15.Bxf7: White takes the rook on f7 and then has two minor pieces for the rook.
15…Nxf7: You recapture on f7 and have a piece for two pawns.

Line 152: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.e4 b4 7.Nb5 d6 8.Bc4 Nbd7 9.Nf3 Nb6 10.Bd3 g6 11.b3 Nxe4 12.Bxe4 Bg7 13.Bd2 Ba6 14.Bd3 Bxa1 15.Qxa1 f6

up to 7…d6 as line 151

8.Bc4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish (−0.48); Black won two thirds of the games.
8…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4 and gains a tempo.
10.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and covers e4.
10…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
11.b3: 11.b3 supports c4 and keeps the queenside closed.
11…Nxe4: You take the pawn on e4 – it was only apparently protected.
12.Bxe4: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
12…Bg7: The bishop attacks the rook on a1 along the long diagonal.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and leaves the rook on a1 – he sacrifices the exchange.
13…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on b5.
14.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and covers b5.
14…Bxa1: You take the rook on a1 and win the exchange.
15.Qxa1: The queen recaptures on a1 and stands on the long diagonal.
15…f6: 15...f6 closes the long diagonal against your king.

Line 153: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.Nxb5 Ba6 7.Nc3 d6 8.Nf3 g6

up to 5…axb5 as line 152

6.Nxb5: White takes back with the knight and wants to keep the extra pawn.
6…Ba6: The bishop aims at the b5 knight and at f1 – the typical Benko bishop. Stockfish slightly prefers g6.
7.Nc3: The knight returns to c3. You play as in the main line: d6, g6 and the bishop trade on f1.
7…d6: The pawn controls e5 – now g6 and Bg7 follow. This is the basic position of the Benko Gambit Accepted.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight before playing e4.
8…g6: Fianchetto – the g7 bishop will press on c3 and the queenside. (transposition)

Line 154: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.Nxb5 Ba6 7.Nc3 d6 8.e4 Bxf1 9.Kxf1 g6

up to 7…d6 as line 153

8.e4: White plays e4 at once and allows the bishop trade on f1.
8…Bxf1: The typical trade: the white king loses the right to castle.
9.Kxf1: The white king loses the right to castle – the familiar picture.
9…g6: Fianchetto – your bishop belongs on g7. (transposition)

Line 155: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.Nxb5 Ba6 7.Nc3 d6 8.g3 g6

up to 7…d6 as line 154

8.g3: White wants to put the bishop on g2 and so avoid the trade on f1.
8…g6: Fianchetto. (transposition)

Line 156: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 axb5 6.Nxb5 Ba6 7.Nc3 d6 8.f4 g6 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.e4 Bxf1 11.Rxf1 O-O 12.e5 dxe5 13.fxe5 Nfd7 14.Bf4 Na6 15.Rf2 Qa5

up to 7…d6 as line 155

8.f4: 8.f4 builds a big centre and plans e4–e5 against your knight.
8…g6: g6 prepares the fianchetto: the bishop on g7 will become the key piece of your gambit on the long diagonal against c3 and b2.
9.Nf3: White builds with f4. Your bishop on g7 becomes strong against the loose centre.
9…Bg7: The bishop aims at c3 and the diagonal weakened by f4.
10.e4: White plays e4 – you trade the bishop on f1.
10…Bxf1: The trade; Stockfish slightly prefers the queen to a5 here.
11.Rxf1: White recaptures with the rook and loses the right to castle short – the king stays in the centre.
11…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
12.e5: A premature advance according to Stockfish – the evaluation drops almost to level. Your play against the centre becomes strong.
12…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the d-file against the pawn on d5.
13.fxe5: White recaptures with the f-pawn and attacks the knight on f6.
13…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks the pawn on e5.
14.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the pawn on e5.
14…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7 or b4.
15.Rf2: The rook goes to f2 and covers the second rank.
15…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on c3 and presses on the queenside.

Chapter 2: 4.Nf3

Line 157: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.b6 d6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.e4 O-O 9.Be2 Nbd7

4.Nf3: White declines the gambit for now and develops. Stockfish would have preferred cxb5.
4…g6: You develop calmly with the fianchetto. Stockfish prefers b4.
5.cxb5: Now White does take on b5.
5…a6: As in the gambit: you offer the pawn to open the files.
6.b6: White gives the pawn back at once.
6…d6: You keep e5 under control and leave b6 for now. Stockfish prefers Qxb6.
7.Nc3: White develops and leaves b6. Stockfish takes at once with the queen.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7. Stockfish would rather take at once with Qxb6.
8.e4: White occupies the centre. You castle and collect the pawn on b6 later.
8…O-O: Castle. Stockfish would rather take on b6 first.
9.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.41); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and will soon take on b6. (transposition)

Line 158: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.b6 d6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.e4 O-O 9.a4 Qxb6 10.a5 Qb7 11.Be2 Bg4 12.O-O Nbd7

up to 8…O-O as line 157

9.a4: 9.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
9…Qxb6: Transposition to the line b6 Qxb6 Nc3 d6 e4 g6 Nf3 Bg7 a4 O-O – the course goes on there. (transposition)
10.a5: 10.a5 drives your queen from b6 and the b-file – White wants to get rid of the pressure on b2 and gain space on the queenside.
10…Qb7: The queen goes to b7: it stays on the b-file and also presses on d5 and e4.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 and prepares short castling; from e2 it can later go to c4 or b5.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 and prepares knight to d7–e5.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre. Stockfish: level (+0.22) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 159: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.b6 d6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Nd2 Nbd7 9.e4 O-O 10.a4 a5 11.Bb5 Nxb6 12.O-O Bd7 13.Re1 Bxb5 14.Nxb5 Ne8 15.h3 Qc8

up to 7…Bg7 as line 158

8.Nd2: The knight heads via d2 to c4 – there it attacks d6 and b6 and covers a5.
8…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and will soon collect the b6 pawn.
9.e4: 9.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
9…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
10.a4: 10.a4 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
10…a5: 10...a5 holds up the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for your knight.
11.Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on d7, which wants to win back b6.
11…Nxb6: You win back the pawn on b6 – material is level.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Bd7: The bishop attacks the bishop on b5 and offers a trade.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
13…Bxb5: You trade on b5 and take White's good bishop.
14.Nxb5: The knight recaptures and stands on b5 – you will attack it with a6.
14…Ne8: The knight heads via e8 to c7: from there it covers b5, prepares the jump to b5 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
15…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and eyes h3 and f5.

Line 160: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.Nc3 axb5 7.d6 Bb7 8.dxe7 Bxe7 9.Nxb5 Qa5 10.Nc3 O-O 11.e3 Ne4 12.Bd2 Nxd2 13.Nxd2 d5 14.Nb3 Qb6 15.Nxd5 Bxd5

up to 5…a6 as line 159

6.Nc3: White declines the second pawn – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
6…axb5: You take back – the b-file is open.
7.d6: White sacrifices a pawn to block the diagonal of your g7 bishop – an error according to Stockfish (−0.35).
7…Bb7: Stockfish puts the bishop on b7 and holds the b5 pawn. Black is better (−0.29).
8.dxe7: White takes on e7 and attacks the queen on d8.
8…Bxe7: You recapture with the bishop and develop it.
9.Nxb5: White takes the pawn on b5 and is two pawns up.
9…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on b5 – with check.
10.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 and blocks the check.
10…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
11.e3: 11.e3 is a quiet move: White consolidates and waits to see how you continue your queenside pressure.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the knight on c3.
12…Nxd2: You trade on d2 and get the bishop pair.
13.Nxd2: The knight recaptures and covers c4.
13…d5: 13...d5 builds a centre and opens the bishop on b7.
14.Nb3: The knight attacks the queen and gains a tempo.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the knight on b3.
15.Nxd5: White takes the pawn on d5.
15…Bxd5: You recapture – material is level.

Line 161: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.Nc3 axb5 7.e4 b4 8.Nb5 d6

up to 6…axb5 as line 160

7.e4: 7.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
7…b4: The pawn drives the knight away from c3.
8.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes c7 and d6.
8…d6: Transposition to the Zaitsev System with Nf3 g6 – the course goes on there. (transposition)

Line 162: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.e3 Bg7 7.Nc3

up to 5…a6 as line 161

6.e3: White gives the pawn back and plays quietly. You take on b5 or keep developing.
6…Bg7: The bishop to the long diagonal.
7.Nc3: Transposition to the Modern Variation with e3 g6 Nc3 Bg7 Nf3 – the course goes on there. (transposition)

Line 163: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.Qc2 axb5 7.e4 Qa5 8.Bd2 Qa4 9.Qxa4 bxa4 10.Nc3 Bg7 11.e5 Ng4 12.Bf4 g5 13.Bg3 f6 14.d6 Nxe5 15.Nd5 Ra5

up to 5…a6 as line 162

6.Qc2: A rare move Stockfish does not like – it gives away much of White's advantage.
6…axb5: You take back and open the a-file.
7.e4: 7.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
7…Qa5: The queen gives check on a5 and wants to attack the pawn on e4.
8.Bd2: The bishop blocks the check and attacks the queen.
8…Qa4: The queen offers a queen trade on a4 – in the endgame you stand actively.
9.Qxa4: White trades queens – in the endgame the extra pawn counts more, but your pressure on the a- and b-files remains.
9…bxa4: You recapture the queen – in the endgame the a-file counts.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
10…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
11.e5: 11.e5 attacks the knight on f6 and gains space.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the pawn on e5.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the pawn on e5.
12…g5: 12...g5 attacks the bishop and wants to win e5.
13.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 and covers e5.
13…f6: 13...f6 attacks the pawn on e5 a third time.
14.d6: 14.d6 gives up the pawn on e5 and opens the diagonal.
14…Nxe5: You take the pawn on e5 – the gambit pawn is back.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 into the centre.
15…Ra5: The rook goes to a5 and attacks the knight on d5.

Line 164: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.bxa6 Bxa6 7.Nc3

up to 5…a6 as line 163

6.bxa6: White takes the second pawn too – the classic Benko Gambit Accepted: you win a6 back and get the open queenside files for it.
6…Bxa6: You win back the pawn with the bishop – it stands strongly on a6 against e2 and f1.
7.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.53); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 165: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.bxa6 Bxa6 7.g3 Bg7 8.Bg2 d6 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Nc3

up to 6…Bxa6 as line 164

7.g3: 7.g3 prepares the fianchetto – the bishop on g2 is to protect the king.
7…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
8.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 onto the long diagonal against your rook on a8.
8…d6: 8...d6 opens the bishop on c8 and stops e5.
9.O-O: White castles before Nc3. You play as in the Fianchetto Variation.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.53); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 166: 4.Nf3 g6 5.cxb5 a6 6.bxa6 Bxa6 7.g3 Bg7 8.Bg2 d6 9.Nc3

up to 8…d6 as line 165

9.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.68); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 167: 4.Nf3 g6 5.Qc2 Bg7 6.e4 b4 7.e5 Ng4 8.Qe4 f5 9.Qe2 O-O 10.h3 Nh6 11.g3 e6 12.Bg2 Nf7 13.O-O exd5 14.Ng5 Nc6 15.Bxd5 Bb7

up to 4…g6 as line 166

5.Qc2: White protects c4 with the queen and wants to play e4.
5…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7. Stockfish prefers b4.
6.e4: White occupies the centre. Stockfish shows the advance to b4 as the reply.
6…b4: Stockfish gains space with b4 – after e5 Ng4 your knight attacks White's pawns.
7.e5: 7.e5 attacks the knight on f6 and gains space.
7…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the pawn on e5.
8.Qe4: The queen attacks the knight on g4.
8…f5: 8...f5 covers the knight on g4 and drives the queen away.
9.Qe2: The queen retreats to e2 and covers e5.
9…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
10.h3: 10.h3 attacks the knight and drives it away.
10…Nh6: The knight goes to h6 and on to f7, where it attacks e5.
11.g3: 11.g3 prepares the fianchetto.
11…e6: 11...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 onto the long diagonal against your rook on a8.
12…Nf7: The knight goes to f7 and attacks the pawn on e5.
13.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
13…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
14.Ng5: The knight attacks the knight on f7 and wants to trade it.
14…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and eyes b4, d4 and e5.
15.Bxd5: The bishop takes the pawn on d5 and stands strongly in the centre.
15…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal against g2.

Line 168: 4.Nf3 g6 5.a4 bxc4 6.Nc3 d6 7.e4 Bg7 8.Bxc4 O-O 9.O-O Ba6 10.Bb5 Bxb5 11.axb5 Nbd7 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bh4 Nb6 14.Re1 Qc7 15.h3 Nh5

up to 4…g6 as line 167

5.a4: White attacks the b5 pawn – an error according to Stockfish (loss 0.56).
5…bxc4: As in the declines Nd2 and a4: you take on c4 and then develop with d6 and Bg7.
6.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
6…d6: 6...d6 opens the bishop on c8 and stops e5.
7.e4: 7.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
7…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
8.Bxc4: White wins back the pawn on c4 – material is level.
8…O-O: You castle. White has the pawn back; a Benoni set-up arises with your bishop on g7.
9.O-O: Both have castled. Your knight can go to b4 via a6.
9…Ba6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on c4 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
10.Bb5: The bishop steps aside to b5 and keeps the diagonal.
10…Bxb5: You trade on b5 and take White's good bishop.
11.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file is now open – one target less on a2 for your rook a8, but a way to a1.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6 and pins it.
12…h6: 12...h6 drives the bishop away before it can take on f6.
13.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4 and keeps the pin.
13…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and eyes c4 and a4.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7: it covers d6, supports c4 and stays on the diagonal towards White's kingside.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
15…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and on to f4.

Line 169: 4.Nf3 g6 5.a4 bxc4 6.Nc3 d6 7.e4 Bg7 8.Nd2 O-O 9.Nxc4 Nbd7 10.Bd3 Nb6 11.Ne3 e6 12.O-O exd5 13.exd5 Bb7 14.Bb5 a6 15.Bc6 Bxc6

up to 7…Bg7 as line 168

8.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wins back the pawn on c4.
8…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
9.Nxc4: The knight wins back the pawn on c4 and stands actively.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and covers the pawn on e4.
10…Nb6: The knight attacks the knight on c4 and wants to trade it.
11.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and covers c4 and d5 – White sets up his pieces against your knight.
11…e6: 11...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…exd5: You trade on d5 and open the e-file for your rook.
13.exd5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5 – together with e6 the pawn becomes a target.
14.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and attacks the knight on d7.
14…a6: 14...a6 attacks the bishop and drives it away.
15.Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and offers a trade.
15…Bxc6: You trade on c6 and simplify.

Line 170: 4.Nf3 g6 5.a4 bxc4 6.Nc3 d6 7.Nd2 Bg7 8.e4

up to 6…d6 as line 169

7.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wants to win back the pawn on c4.
7…Bg7: The bishop arrives on the long diagonal on g7 – from there it presses on c3, b2 and a1.
8.e4: 8.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5. Stockfish: level (+0.11) – your play makes up for the pawn. (transposition)

Line 171: 4.Nf3 g6 5.Nbd2 bxc4 6.e4 Bg7 7.Bxc4 O-O 8.O-O Bb7 9.Re1 e6 10.d6 Nc6 11.h3 Ne8 12.Nb3 Qb6 13.Bf4 a5 14.a4 Nd4 15.Nbxd4 cxd4

up to 4…g6 as line 170

5.Nbd2: White protects c4 with the knight.
5…bxc4: You take on c4 – White has to spend time winning the pawn back.
6.e4: 6.e4 builds a strong centre with d5 and e4 and prepares e5 – you answer with pressure on b2 and the squares c4 and e5.
6…Bg7: The bishop to the long diagonal – roughly level (+0.27).
7.Bxc4: White wins back the pawn on c4 – material is level.
7…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
8.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
8…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses on d5 – together with e6 the pawn becomes a target.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
9…e6: 9...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the centre.
10.d6: 10.d6 pushes the pawn and cuts your pieces off from each other.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and eyes b4, d4 and e5.
11.h3: 11.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
11…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and attacks the pawn on d6.
12.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and eyes c5 and a5.
12…Qb6: The queen attacks the knight on b3.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the pawn on d6.
13…a5: 13...a5 attacks on the queenside.
14.a4: 14.a4 holds up your pawn on a5.
14…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 into the centre.
15.Nbxd4: White trades on d4.
15…cxd4: You recapture and have a pawn on d4.

Chapter 3: 4.Nd2

Line 172: 4.Nd2 bxc4 5.e4 d6 6.Bxc4 g6 7.b3 Bg7 8.Bb2 O-O 9.Ngf3 e5 10.O-O Nbd7 11.Re1 Nb6 12.Bf1 a5 13.a3 Bd7 14.Nb1 Ne8 15.a4 f5

4.Nd2: A new chapter: White declines with Nd2. Stockfish considers it weaker than cxb5 – the evaluation is almost level.
4…bxc4: You simply take the pawn. White has to spend time to win back c4.
5.e4: White attacks the pawn on c4 and occupies the centre.
5…d6: You support c5 and clear the way for g6 and Bg7. Stockfish prefers e6 here, the players mostly choose d6.
6.Bxc4: White has the pawn back. You fianchetto.
6…g6: White has the pawn back; you put the bishop on g7 – a Benoni-like position arises with your half-open b-file.
7.b3: White puts the bishop on b2. Your bishop on g7 holds against it.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 – against White's bishop on b2.
8.Bb2: The bishops face each other on the long diagonal. You castle.
8…O-O: You castle. The position is nearly level according to Stockfish.
9.Ngf3: White develops the last knight. With …e6 you can open the centre.
9…e5: 9...e5 closes the centre – your play now lies on the kingside with f5.
10.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4–e5.
11…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4 and gains a tempo.
12.Bf1: The bishop retreats to f1 and covers g2.
12…a5: 12...a5 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
13.a3: 13.a3 gains space on the queenside and secures b5 for the knight.
13…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers b5.
14.Nb1: The knight goes to b1 to regroup via d2.
14…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and prepares f5.
15.a4: 15.a4 holds up your pawn on a5.
15…f5: 15...f5 attacks on the kingside.

Chapter 4: 4.a4

Line 173: 4.a4 bxc4 5.Nc3 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Bxc4 Bg7 8.Nf3

4.a4: A new chapter: White declines with a4 and attacks b5. Stockfish also considers this weaker than cxb5.
4…bxc4: As against Nd2: you take the pawn on c4 and force White to spend time winning it back.
5.Nc3: White develops the knight before winning back c4.
5…d6: The familiar set-up with d6, g6 and Bg7.
6.e4: White builds the centre. You fianchetto.
6…g6: You fianchetto – Stockfish also mentions the bishop to a6, which holds c4.
7.Bxc4: White has the pawn back. Your bishop goes to g7.
7…Bg7: The bishop on g7 aims at c3. A Benoni set-up in which White has already moved his a-pawn.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.48); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)

Line 174: 4.a4 bxc4 5.Nc3 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Bxc4 Bg7 8.f4 O-O 9.Nf3 Ba6 10.Bb5 Bxb5 11.axb5 Nbd7 12.O-O Qb6 13.Qe2 Ne8 14.f5 a6 15.bxa6 Nc7

up to 7…Bg7 as line 173

8.f4: 8.f4 builds a big centre with e4 and f4.
8…O-O: You castle: the king is safe behind the bishop on g7, and the rook on f8 can go to b8 on the half-open b-file.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling.
9…Ba6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on c4 – without White's bishop the light squares on the queenside become yours.
10.Bb5: The bishop steps aside to b5.
10…Bxb5: You trade on b5.
11.axb5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on d5 – it cramps you, but it can also become a target.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7: it opens the long diagonal for the bishop on g7 and can go via b6 to c4 or via e5 to the centre.
12.O-O: White castles short: the king is safe, and the rook on f1 can go to b1 against your pressure on the b-file or to e1 for the push e4–e5.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 onto the b-file against b5.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers e4.
13…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and on to c7.
14.f5: 14.f5 attacks on the kingside.
14…a6: 14...a6 opens the queenside.
15.bxa6: White takes on a6.
15…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.

Line 175: 4.a4 bxc4 5.Nc3 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Nf3

up to 6…g6 as line 174

7.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3: it covers d4 and e5 and prepares castling. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.34); for the pawn you have pressure on the a- and b-files. (transposition)