Benko declined: 4.Nd2 and ...c3 is variation 6 of 6 in the Benoni and Benko Gambit course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO A57). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. Nd2 bxc4 …. White declines with 4.Nd2, planning e4 to take the c4 pawn. Black answers with the thematic ...bxc4 and ...c3, damaging White's pawns before developing normally. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Stops e4.
2. c4 – Gains space.
2... c5 – Hits d4.
3. d5 – White grabs space.
3... b5 – The Benko Gambit.
4. Nd2 – Declines: the knight supports c4 and e4.
4... bxc4 – Takes on c4 so that e4 can be met by ...c3.
5. e4 – White builds the centre and threatens to win back the pawn with Bxc4.
5... c3 – Gives the pawn back in the best way: after bxc3 White has doubled c-pawns and the b-file opens.
6. bxc3 – White takes the pawn.
6... g6 – The fianchetto bishop will hit the c3 pawn and the long diagonal.
7. Ngf3 – Develops and supports e5.
7... d6 – Controls e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
8. Bd3 – Develops and guards e4.
8... Bg7 – Completes the fianchetto, aiming at c3.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM