Editing Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. c4/2...c5 (section)

= Benoni Defence =
Black threatens to exchange the c pawn against a central pawn. The objectively best solution for White is to advance the pawn and play [[/3. d5/]], gaining space in the center, however it allows black to gain dangerous pressure by 3...e6. To avoid this, White may play [[/3. Nf3/]], protecting the pawn. This move allows Black to exchange the pawns or to increase pressure by playing 3...e6. Additionally, 3.Nf3 may transpose to a Maroczy Bind Sicilian. The last option is [[/3. e3/]] but this leads to a blocked game for white (both bishops are blocked by pawns and Black will get a lead in development). Notice that if white takes with 3. dxc5 Black will not lose material. With the moves 3...Na6 or 3...e6, Black will equalize easily.

==Theory table==
{{Chess Opening Theory/Table}}.

'''1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5'''
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4">
	<tr>
		<th></th>
		<th align="left">3</th>
                <th align="left">4</th>
                <th align="left">5</th>
                <th align="left">6</th>
	</tr>
	<tr>
		<th align="right">Modern Benoni</th>
		<td>[[/3. d5|d5]]<br>e6</td>
                <td>Nc3<br>exd5</td>
                <td>cxd5<br>d6</td>
                <td>e4<br>g6</td>
		<td>+/=</td>
	</tr>
        <tr> 
 		<th align="right">Benko Gambit</th>
		<td>...<br>b5</td>
                <td>cxb5<br>a6</td>
                <td>bxa6<br>Bxa6</td>
        </tr> 
	<tr>
		<th align="right">English/Anti-Benoni Variation</th>
		<td>[[/3. Nf3|Nf3]]<br>cxd4</td>
                <td>Nxd4<br>e6</td>
                <td>Nc3<br>Bb4</td>
                <td>g3<br>O-O</td>
		<td>=</td>
	</tr>
	<tr>
		<th align="right">Panov-Botvinnik Attack</th>
		<td>[[/3. e3|e3]]<br>g6</td>
                <td>Nf3<br>cxd4</td>
                <td>exd4
d5
</td>
                <td>Nc3
Bg7
</td>
		<td>=</td>
	</tr>
</table>
{{ChessMid}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Wikipedia|Benoni Defence}}
de Firmian, Nick. <u>Modern Chess Openings</u>, 15th Edition. New York, NY: Random House, 2008.
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