Beating Both 2.c4 and 2.Nf3
The Benko Gambit needs White’s cooperation. After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5, Black plays for the open a- and b-files and long-term queenside pressure that made the gambit famous. But many opponents never play 2.c4 at all.
In The Benko Gambit – A Dynamic Repertoire for Black, GM Sina Movahed treats that move-order question as a central part of the repertoire. He gives a full answer to 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5, so the Benko player keeps his plan even when White tries to avoid it.
One Plan Against Two Move Orders
Seven of the fifteen chapters cover 2.Nf3 c5. Against 3.d5, Movahed’s guiding principle is simple: the plan stays the same, and Black plays 3...b5.
From there the course handles 4.e4, 4.Bg5, 4.Bf4, and 4.c4, which returns to a Benko sub-variation. The quieter options are covered too. Movahed singles out 3.e3 and 3.c3 as solid tries that Black has to take seriously, while 3.dxc5 is grouped with the rare third moves.
The Main Line: Fighting for the Centre
In the accepted Benko, against 5.bxa6, Movahed chooses 5...e6. Instead of recapturing on a6 at once, Black first undermines White’s centre and fights for the d5-square.
After 6.Nc3 exd5 7.Nxd5 Nxa6, the knight can jump to b4 or c7 and join the battle for the d5-square. Movahed considers 8.Bg5 the critical test and gives it a dedicated chapter.
The repertoire also gives concrete answers when White declines the gambit or returns the pawn:
- 5.Nc3 prepares to regain the pawn with the knight.
- 5.e3 aims to recapture with the bishop and gain development. Movahed calls it one of the most dangerous tries.
The Author’s Approach
Movahed set out to find promising options that pose practical problems for White. Some recommendations lead to sharp, forcing play. Others offer a quieter route to positions where Black still has real chances.
Every line comes with an explanation of its purpose and of how to continue once the preparation ends. The course also covers the typical plans, piece manoeuvres, and pawn breaks behind the repertoire. The goal is fresh ideas you can use over the board, backed by a clear understanding of the positions they lead to.
A Second Gambit from the Same Author
The Benko and the Blumenfeld share the same idea: Black answers d4-d5 with ...b5 and trades a pawn for central and queenside activity. Movahed’s Blumenfeld Gambit – Top-Level Repertoire for Black applies this approach after 2...e6. It is a natural companion for players who want a second dynamic option against 1.d4.
Bring active pieces, open files, and fresh ideas to your games against 1.d4. Explore The Benko Gambit – A Dynamic Repertoire for Black and make the course your weapon against both 2.c4 and 2.Nf3.