Benko Gambit Declined
What is the Benko Gambit Declined?
The Benko Gambit Declined is a chess opening that begins with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Bg5. It is classified under ECO A57 and has 6 named variations. White chooses it with the move Bg5.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Bg5
ECO: A57
Chosen by: White
Main variations
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. e4
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nf3
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. f3
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nd2
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. a4
All 6 variations
| ECO | Variation | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| A57 | Bishop Attack | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Bg5 |
| A57 | Hjørring Countergambit | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. e4 |
| A57 | Main Line | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nf3 |
| A57 | Pseudo-Sämisch | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. f3 |
| A57 | Quiet Line | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nd2 |
| A57 | Sosonko Variation | 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. a4 |
How to learn an opening
Learn the ideas before the moves: where the pieces go, which pawn breaks matter and what the typical middlegame plans are. Then play it, and after each game look up the point where you or your opponent left the known moves. MentoChess shows that point automatically for every game you import.
Opening lessons: Three golden opening rules · Scholar’s mate and how to stop it · Italian Game: plans, not just moves · Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined · Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 · From moves to structures