Understanding before Moving 88: Basics of the Benko Gambit (7)

by ChessBase
7/31/2022 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. In the 88th instalment of his ChessBase show "Understanding before Moving", Herman continues to explain why playing the Benko Gambit might be a good choice for club players. | Photo: Pascal Simon

Key Concepts of Chess - Pawn Structures Vol.1 and 2 Key Concepts of Chess - Pawn Structures Vol.1 and 2

In this two-part course the emphasis will be on typical pawn-structures.

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In the  previous episode of this mini-course on the Benkö Gambit we discussed variations, in which the light-squared bishops are exchanged and White loses the right to castle. In these so-called "king walk" lines White needs a lot of time to complete his development.

But White can avoid the exchange of light-squared bishops and many players indeed prefer to fianchetto the bishop, which leads to different positions.

In many openings move-orders crucial but move-orders in the Benkö are often not that important. However, you still have to be careful!

In the diagram position, White apparently was still on autopilot: he just played played 13.b3?, a logical move with a tactical flaw. Do you see how Black took advantage of this mistake?

 

Attacking with the Benko Gambit

Don't give 1.d4 players an easy ride — sacrifice a pawn with 3.b5 for a lasting initiative. GM Ramirez shows you clear ideas for play in every variation.

Attacking with the Benko Gambit - Part 2

GM Ramirez completes his repertoire suggestion versus 1.d4 with powerful systems among others against the ColleSystem, Trompowsky or the declining move 3.Nf3. An absolute asset - not only for friends of the Benko Gambit!

This week’s show (for Premium Members only)

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