Benko Gambit Accepted: Dlugy Variation

A dynamic and aggressive chess opening that offers Black counterplay and imbalances, often leading to sharp and complex middlegames.

1. d4 2. Nf6 3. c4 4. c5 5. d5 6. b5 7. cxb5 8. a6 9. f3

The opening in question is characterized by an early pawn sacrifice by Black to create counterplay on the queenside. Black's idea is to open lines for their pieces and create pressure against White's queenside pawns, while White tries to consolidate their extra pawn and maintain a solid position.

In this specific variation, White plays a flexible move that supports the e4 pawn push and helps control the center. This move also prepares to develop the knight to e2, avoiding potential pins on the f6-knight. However, it can also weaken the kingside, making it a double-edged move.

Black's main plan is to play a6 and recapture the b5 pawn with their a8-rook, activating the rook and putting pressure on the a2 pawn. This can lead to various pawn structures and imbalances, making the position rich in strategic ideas and tactical opportunities.

Both sides need to be well-prepared, as it can lead to sharp and complex middlegames. White must be careful not to overextend or neglect their development, while Black should be ready to exploit any weaknesses in White's position.

Overall, this opening is an exciting and challenging choice for both players, offering a rich variety of middlegame positions and requiring deep understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece play.

Frequency: 8.3 %Stockfish score: 0.0, depth 47
Games Statistics:
White/Draws/Black
47.5%
13.1%
39.4%
Bookmoves score:
RateWhiteBlack
0...180053.846.2
1800...200051.748.3
2000...220058.251.3
2200...250057.450.9
2500...54.752.3