The Benoni Defense is a popular hyper-modern response to d4 that occurs after the moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6. Black could also play the Benko Gambit after 3. … b5. Black’s plan is to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop, castle kingside, and play for a queenside pawn majority. In contrast, White’s plays for a central break with f4 and e5. The Benoni is popular among club players but has also been played at the top levels by players like Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
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