Benko Gambit Accepted: Fully Accepted Variation

This dynamic and aggressive chess opening provides Black with excellent counterplay and long-term pressure on the queenside.

The opening is characterized by Black sacrificing a pawn on the b-file in order to create open lines and pressure on the queenside. This gambit is popular among players who enjoy active piece play and are willing to accept a material disadvantage for the sake of activity and counterplay. The main idea for Black is to quickly develop their pieces, especially the rooks, and use them to create threats along the open a- and b-files.

White, on the other hand, must decide whether to accept the gambit pawn and try to consolidate their material advantage or decline it and maintain a solid pawn structure. If White accepts the gambit, they must be prepared to face a strong initiative from Black and find ways to neutralize the pressure on the queenside.

In the Fully Accepted Variation, White captures the pawn on a6, allowing Black to recapture with their bishop. This leads to positions where Black has excellent piece coordination and long-term pressure on the queenside, while White must find ways to consolidate their extra pawn and counter Black's activity.

The opening has been played by many top-level players, including former World Champions Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, and remains a popular choice for players seeking an unbalanced and dynamic position with chances for both sides.