Benoni Defense: Classical Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4 · ECO A70, A72 · Black to move

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What Benoni Defense: Classical Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with black to move.

White has central pawns on e4 and d5.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The c-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders

Move orders

  1. 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4
  2. 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Nf3 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O