Benko Gambit: Fianchetto variation is variation 5 of 6 in the Benoni and Benko Gambit course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO A58). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 …. White develops with Nf3, g3 and Bg2 and castles normally. Black's set-up is the same: ...Bxa6, ...d6, ...Bg7, ...Nbd7, ...Qa5 and the rooks on a8 and b8. 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. cxb5 – Accepts.
4... a6 – Opens the a-file.
5. bxa6 – Takes the second pawn.
5... g6 – Keeps the recapture on a6 in hand and starts the fianchetto.
6. Nc3 – Develops.
6... Bxa6 – Recaptures; the bishop eyes e2 and stops easy castling with Bf1-e2.
7. Nf3 – Develops.
7... d6 – Supports c5 and prepares ...Nbd7.
8. g3 – The fianchetto: White castles without having to trade bishops.
8... Bg7 – The bishop lands on the long diagonal.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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