Modern Benoni: Taimanov 7.f4 and 8.Bb5+ is variation 2 of 6 in the Benoni and Benko Gambit course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO A67). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 …. White's most dangerous try. The check on b5 disrupts Black's development: Black must block with the f6 knight, not the b8 knight, and then reroute with ...Na6-b4 and ...a6 to drive the bishop back. 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 and keeps options open.
2. c4 – Gains space on the queenside.
2... c5 – The Benoni: hits d4 and invites d5.
3. d5 – White grabs space.
3... e6 – Prepares ...exd5.
4. Nc3 – Develops and supports the centre.
4... exd5 – Opens the e-file.
5. cxd5 – Keeps the pawn on d5.
5... d6 – Stops d6 and opens the c8 bishop.
6. e4 – Builds the centre.
6... g6 – Prepares the fianchetto.
7. f4 – The Taimanov: White grabs even more space and prepares e5.
7... Bg7 – Completes the fianchetto, putting pressure on e5 and the long diagonal.
8. Bb5+ – The point of the Taimanov: the check makes Black's development awkward.
8... Nfd7 – The correct block: the f6 knight steps away from e5 attacks and the b8 knight can still go to a6.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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