1.d4
Nf6
2.c4
c5
3.d5
The only way to test Black's set-up [3.dxc5?
e6
4.b4
a5
5.bxa5
Na6!
; 3.Nf3
cxd4
4.Nxd4
e6
]
3...b5
The Benko Gambit, challenging white's central pawn structure by attacking the rear pawn in the chain.
4.cxb5
"winning" a pawn but lessening white's contro l over the key d5-pawn.
4...a6
Offering a trade to activate the Bc8
5.bxa6
[5.e3!?
; 5.Nc3!?
]
5...Bxa6
A key part of the gambit. Moving the e-pawn will result in Bxf1 and white will have spend time disentangling the kingside
6.Nc3
Natural development, often with the idea of supporting e2-e4
6...d6
7.Nf3
Preferring a kingside fianchetto to the exchange of bishops on f1
7...g6
8.g3
Bg7
Black is down a pawn but his bishops are very strong and the rooks will control the key a- and b-files.
9.Bg2
The bishop is not well placed on g2, placed behind the fixed d5-pawn.
9...0-0
Today, Benko would probably play Nbd7-b6 first to place additional pressure on the d5-pawn priot to castling.
10.0-0
Nbd7
11.Qc2
Possible because black did not keep the queen home with Nb6
11...Qb6
Many options for the queen, including a5, c7, and even a8 (after Ra7)
12.Rd1
Black's inaccurate move order gives white a good game, but imagine having to beat back this new idea.
12...Rfb8
Reaching the ideal opening set-up
13.Rb1
Ne8
Activating the Bg7. The knight will head to c7 where it can support e7-e6
14.Bg5
A common idea tday, an annoying attack on the e7-pawn
14...Qd8
[14...Kf8!?
]
15.Bf1
Idea e4 to exchange Black's more active light-squared bishop
15...h6
To drive back the Bg5 and activate the Qd8
16.Bd2
Nc7
17.b3
Nb6
Two attacks on the d5-pawn
18.e4
The bishops will now come off the board. Often, after e4, black will aim a knight towards the key d3-square.
18...Bxf1
19.Rxf1
Qd7
Preparing e6
20.Rfe1
Kh7
21.Kg2
e6
22.dxe6
Nxe6
23.Ne2
To prevent Nd4
23...d5
Counting on his activity to compensate for the gambit pawn
24.Nf4
dxe4
25.Rxe4
Nd4
26.Nxd4
cxd4
27.a4?
Diagram [27.Rbe1
]
27...Qb7
With two threats, f5 and Nxa4
28.f3
Nxa4
The key to the gambit, winning back the pawn without giving up the initiative
29.Rbe1
[29.b4
]
29...Qxb3
30.Qxb3
Rxb3
An easy win now for Black, though the technique is careful and instructive
31.Re7
Rb2
Coach's third law: "Sometimes the best way to counter a threeat (Rxf7) is with a bigger threat (Rxd2+)"
32.R1e2
Nc3
33.Bxc3
dxc3
34.Rxf7
Raa2
35.Kf1
[35.Rfe7
g5-+
]
35...g5-+
36.Rxg7+
Kxg7
37.Ne6+
Kf6
38.Nd4
Rxe2
39.Nxe2
Ra1+
0-1