Master The Benoni Defense, Modern Variation
You have a choice to make when you have the Black pieces. Either you can play a solid, dependable opening system which hopes to equalize against White’s first-mover advantage… or, you can choose something more spicy, looking to immediately introduce complications and play for a win. The Benoni Defense, Modern Variation is definitely a chess opening for Black which belongs to the latter category.
The Modern Benoni is perhaps the most dynamic approach to meeting 1. d4 with Black without sacrificing material. The pawn structure is quickly unbalanced, resulting in a highly complex game. If that is the sort of chess that appeals to you, then read on!
In this article, you will learn:
- How to reach the starting position of the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation.
- Thematic middlegame ideas for Black.
- Our recommended books and video courses to learn more about the Modern Benoni.
The Benoni Defense: Introduction And Origins
Ben-oni is a Hebrew word, which means “son of my sorrow”. It comes from the Book of Genesis 35:18, which tells of a mother dying in childbirth and naming her baby “Benoni” before she passed away.
There are two main versions of the origin of the “Benoni Defense” name in chess. The definitive truth over which one of these is correct is uncertain, so below are both stories.
One story concerns a Jewish chess author named Aaron Reinganum. He was suffering from depression and the only thing that would cheer him up was chess. Reinganum went on to write a book, titled Benoni, or Defenses Against the Gambits in Chess. He started the title with “Ben-Oni” in tribute to writing his book during a time of deep sadness.
The alternative story holds that there was a player (or players) named Benoni. A Spanish player named Ramón Rey Ardid supported this version of events, calling the opening “An old, audacious defense which comes from the English player Benoni”. A Belgian grandmaster named Albéric O'Kelly de Galway wrote of two brothers named Benoni who lived in the 1830’s.
There are several variations of the Benoni Defense:
- The Old Benoni
- The Czech Benoni
- … and, the subject of this article, the Modern Benoni
Related: Boost your opening knowledge with our selection of the best chess opening books.
How To Reach The Starting Position In The Modern Benoni
After the game begins with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4, Black strikes at White’s center with 2. …c5.
Astute readers will notice that this move is an offer of a pawn sacrifice. Experienced players with the White pieces are unlikely to capture on c5. Still, any Modern Benoni player ought to know how to punish their opponent if White does play the greedy 3. dxc5.
After 3. dxc5, Black should play 3. …e6. The point is that the pawn on c5 will be very difficult for White to defend. As a result, Black will usually be able to capture 4. …Bxc5 next move, with an active bishop and a central pawn majority.
More commonly, White will choose to push ahead with 3. d5. Black has a wide choice of moves here. One of these, 3. …b5 is the Benko Gambit, which we have written about before.
The Modern Benoni is where Black plays 3. …e6, looking to attack White’s advanced d-pawn immediately.
The two players will almost invariably play the same series of next moves: 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6. We could think of this as the “starting position” of the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation.
A couple of things stand out about this position:
- Black has a pawn majority on the queenside.
- White has a pawn majority in the center, and can advance e4 at their leisure.
Because of this unbalanced pawn structure, games in the Modern Benoni tend to be combative. It is an opening for those who enjoy a complicated, double-edged fight!
Let us now take a look at a famous game to see how play may develop in the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation.
Donner vs. Tal, 1959
The fact that the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation was a favorite of the great Mikhail Tal should tell us all we need to know about the character of this opening! Tal favored complexity in chess perhaps more than any other World Chess Champion in history.
Related: Learn how to play amazing tactical blows with Mikhail Tal - Great Chess Combinations, available from the USCF store.
In this encounter, Tal showcased the strong potential of Black’s queenside play.
White had earlier played a4, in an attempt to prevent Black from advancing their b-pawn to b5. However, Tal carefully maneuvered his queen over to the queenside to make b5 possible.
With 20. …Qb4, Black chased White’s queen away. It is worth noting that if White were to have initiated the queen trade with 21. Qxb4, then after 21. …cxb4, White’s position quickly falls apart as the White knight on c3 is forced to move and Black’s pieces come flooding in.
After the White queen retreated, Black was able to play 22. …b5 successfully.
Achieving the b5 pawn break is usually very good for Black’s chances in the Modern Benoni - but the game still needs to be won! It is instructive to see how ”The Magician from Riga” conducted the rest of the game.
Tal soon played 24. …Bxc3 to eliminate the important White knight and achieve a passed pawn after 25. bxc3 Qxc3.
Tal then advanced his strong c-pawn, whereupon White’s position quickly became untenable. Resignation soon followed.
The full game can be viewed here: Donner vs. Tal, 1959.
Getting Started With The Modern Benoni
Beyond this article, we have a couple more recommendations to help take your understanding of the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation to the level where you are ready to play it in serious chess games under classical time controls.
Related: Tips to improve your chess opening study.
Book Recommendation
FIDE Master John Doknjas has penned an outstanding guide to playing the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation with the Black pieces: Opening Repertoire - The Modern Benoni.
Inside, you will find a comprehensive array of annotated Modern Benoni games, played by top chess masters. By playing through the moves in the book and following the author’s commentary, you will quickly get to grips with the key ideas for both White and Black.
The book is suitable for strong masters and club-level players alike. Once you have finished reading it, you will be armed with a full array of ideas to fight for a win with Black in the Modern Benoni.
Online Course Recommendation
If you prefer to learn chess openings in video format, then you can’t do much better than International Master Ari Ziegler’s training course: Modern Benoni For Advanced Players.
It is suitable for players rated 1500 - 2400. It is a high level course for serious chess players!
Over the course of 5 hours of expert video instruction, the student will learn a fighting repertoire in the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation. From the most critical opening lines, to deep strategic plans, to thematic tactical shots - it’s all in there. It is everything you need to play a successful dynamic game with Black against 1. d4.
Summary: Is The Modern Benoni Right For You?
The Benoni Defense, Modern Variation could be an excellent addition to your Black opening repertoire if you:
- Enjoy dynamic, unbalanced chess: By creating an asymmetrical pawn structure, Black steers the game towards sharp, uncompromising play. This should be the style of chess that you enjoy.
- Can be flexible in your approach to the middlegame: Each game in the Modern Benoni is different. Whether Black plays predominantly on the kingside, the queenside, or in the center varies greatly from game to game. Standard plans are less relevant than your overall positional chess understanding.
- Are a strong tactician: Black’s strength in the Modern Benoni tends to be their dynamic piece play. As a result, you should have a sharp eye for tactics if you are going to play the Modern Benoni with success. You should pride yourself on your ability to spot and accurately calculate forced tactical blows.
If that sounds like a chess opening for Black you would enjoy, then continue your education in the Benoni Defense, Modern Variation today!