Modern Benoni: Classical 8.Be2 and 10.Nd2 is variation 1 of 6 in the Benoni and Benko Gambit course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO A77). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 …. The main line of the Modern Benoni. White plays Be2, castles and regroups with Nd2-c4 and f3; Black answers with ...Re8, ...Na6-c7 and ...b6/...Ba6 to swap White's strong c4 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 – A flexible start that stops e4 for now.
2. c4 – White gains queenside space and supports d5.
2... c5 – The Benoni move: Black challenges d4 at once and invites d5.
3. d5 – White grabs space; after dxc5 Black would simply regain the pawn with ...e6 and ...Bxc5.
3... e6 – Prepares ...exd5 to open the e-file and create the Modern Benoni structure.
4. Nc3 – Develops and prepares to recapture on d5 with the c-pawn.
4... exd5 – Opens the e-file and gives Black a queenside majority against White's central majority.
5. cxd5 – White keeps a pawn on d5 that cramps Black.
5... d6 – Stops d6 and Nb5-d6 ideas and opens the c8 bishop.
6. e4 – White builds the big centre and prepares f4 or Nf3.
6... g6 – The Benoni fianchetto: the g7 bishop will rake the long diagonal towards b2.
7. Nf3 – Develops and covers e5 and d4.
7... Bg7 – Completes the fianchetto.
8. Be2 – The Classical set-up: modest but solid, preparing O-O and Nd2-c4.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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