Modern Benoni: Fianchetto variation is variation 3 of 6 in the Benoni and Benko Gambit course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO A64). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 …. A positional line where White fianchettoes the f1 bishop. Black plays ...a6, ...Nbd7, ...Re8 and ...Rb8, aiming for ...b5, and uses the e5 square for a knight. 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 – The Benoni.
3. d5 – White grabs space.
3... e6 – Prepares ...exd5.
4. Nc3 – Develops.
4... exd5 – Opens the e-file.
5. cxd5 – Keeps the pawn on d5.
5... d6 – Stops d6 and opens the c8 bishop.
6. Nf3 – Develops before deciding on the f1 bishop.
6... g6 – Prepares ...Bg7.
7. g3 – The fianchetto: the g2 bishop supports d5 and e4.
7... Bg7 – Black's bishop takes the long diagonal.
8. Bg2 – Completes the fianchetto.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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