Content: 1 hour and 41 minutes of theory, instruction and analysis in a series of 4 lectures.
The Modern Benoni is a very dynamic opening very popular at club level and is still unrefuted. The modern Benoni is a chess opening with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6.and is classified under the ECO codes A60–A79. After the initial moves, Black proceeds to capture on d5, creating a majority of black pawns on the queenside. Though the Modern Benoni was invented by Frank Marshall in 1927, his experiments with the opening went largely ignored for over 20 years. In the 1950s the system was revitalized by players in the Soviet Union, chief among them Mikhail Tal. It was later adopted by players of a similarly aggressive and uncompromising style such as Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov establishing the opening's reputation as one of Black's most dynamic responses to 1.d4.In the 21st century the opening's reputation and theoretical standing made a recovery, it was Vladmir Kramnik’s choice when he needed a win with Black in the penultimate game of the 2004 World Championship.
David tells us though this is considered risky defense, he thinks it is no more risky then the King’s Indian and shows us a move order that illustrates that and takes us down all of the various main lines.
Members of ChessLecture.com rated this series a 3.9 out of 5 ECO A70, A79
Members of ChessLecture said: Incredible amount of stuff. I have been studying openings recently including the Modern Benoni so I was able to understand some of this lecture. I particularly like it when David indicates that one line (Nxb5) is more tactical than the other (Bxb5) so I can choose. Liked the discussion of the endings too. Thanks, Gerry
IM David Vigorito is the 2007 Massachusetts Champion and has been the state champion of New Hampshire and Nevada. USCF rated at 2479, David was the Champion of the Boylston (Boston) Chess Club. He played in the 2006 U.S. Championship after finishing in a tie for 3rd place at the U.S. Open in Phoenix. David is a successful chess author - his “Challenging the Nimzo-Indian” was very well received by critics and players alike.
Recommended for Intermediate - Advanced Players