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The Modern Benko Gambit - DOWNLOAD
Ernst Spike
In modern chess, activity has become one of the most prized ressources of all. Engines have taught us again and again that active piece play, the initiative and dynamic pressure can more than compensate for small material or structural concessions. The Benko Gambit fits this philosophy perfectly. By giving up a pawn early, Black immediately gets exactly what the modern player is looking for: open lines, harmonious development and relentless, long-term pressure on White's queenside. It's a genuine fighting opening, ideal for players who don't want to drift into the quiet, slow-maneuvering waters that 1.d4 so often leads to, but instead prefer to seize the initiative and steer the game into sharp, dynamic and double-edged territory.
Description
In modern chess, activity has become one of the most prized ressources of all. Engines have taught us again and again that active piece play, the initiative and dynamic pressure can more than compensate for small material or structural concessions. The Benko Gambit fits this philosophy perfectly. By giving up a pawn early, Black immediately gets exactly what the modern player is looking for: open lines, harmonious development and relentless, long-term pressure on White's queenside. It's a genuine fighting opening, ideal for players who don't want to drift into the quiet, slow-maneuvering waters that 1.d4 so often leads to, but instead prefer to seize the initiative and steer the game into sharp, dynamic and double-edged territory.
In this course, GM Sipke Ernst (a long-time Benko player himself) presents a complete, up-to-date repertoire built around a fresh interpretation of the opening. Instead of the traditional 5...g6, the modern main line runs 5.bxa6 e6, giving Black compensation of a completely different, more positional character.tackles every important try, from White's critical 5.e3 setups to the anti-Benko move orders with 2.Nf3, and doesn't shy away from the sharpest, most theoretical battles - while always keeping the focus on the ideas, plans and recurring structures that make these positions so pleasant to play.
The result is a practical, ambitious and confidence-building repertoire you can rely on in your own tournaments. Whether you're a lifelong Benko player or looking for a dynamic new answer to 1.d4, this course gives you everything you need to play the gambit with confidence.
With interactive exercises
Drill this opening repertoire
Play-out key positions against Fritz
Contents
The Benko Gambit - a full repertoire against 1.d4
Introduction
Chapter 1: Main Lines
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 e6
6.dxe6
6.Nc3 exd5 7.Nxd5 Be7
8.Nxe7 Qxe7
9.e3 0-0
Chapter 2: 5.e3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 Bb7 6.Nc3 axb5 7.Bxb5 Qa5
8.Nf3, 8.a4 and 8.Bc4
5.e3 and 8.Bd2
5.e3 and 8.Ne2
Chapter 3: Alternatives Move 5
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6
5.Nc3
5.b6
5.f3
Chapter 4: Alternatives Move 4
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5
4.a4
4.Nd2
4.Qc2
4.Nf3
Chapter 5: Alternatives Move 3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.dxc5 and 3.e3
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3
Chapter 6: 2.Nf3
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.d5
2.Nf3 c5 d5
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 alternatives move 3
2.Nf3 c5 alternatives move 3
Chapter 7: Queens Pawn Openings
Trompowsky
Richter-Veresov
London-System
Exercises
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
Exercise 6
Exercise 7
Exercise 8
Exercise 9
Exercise 10
Exercise 11
Exercise 12
Exercise 13
Exercise 14
Exercise 15
Exercise 16
Exercise 17
Exercise 18
Opening Repertoire
Practice Trompowsky, Richter-Veresov, London-System
Practice 2.Nf3
Practice Alternatives Move 3
Practice Alternatives Move 4
Practice Alternatives Move 5
Practice 5.e3
Practice 5.bxa6 e6 6.Nc3
Practice the Whole Repertoire Mixed
Practice Positions
Main Line Position 1
Main Line Position 2
Main Line Position 3
Main Line Position 4
Main Line Position 5
Main Line Position 6
Main Line Position 7
Main Line Position 8
5.e3 Position 1
5.e3 Position 2
5.e3 Position 3
5.e3 Position 4
5.Nc3 Position 1
5.Nc3 Position 2
5.b6
5.f3
4.a4
4.Nd2
4.Qc2
4.Nf3
