Benko Gambit

The Benko Gambit begins after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5. Black gives up a pawn to open the a- and b-files and build lasting pressure on White's queenside.

Yes, especially for patient players. Black's pieces have natural squares and clear targets, but playing a pawn down takes nerve when the pressure needs time to work.

It is playable, though engines prefer White in the main lines. The queenside pressure gives Black real practical chances, and many of the world's strongest players have used it.

Black trades a pawn for queenside activity. The rooks use the half-open a- and b-files, the g7-bishop joins from the long diagonal, and the pressure often lasts into the endgame.

It arises after 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6, when White takes both pawns. Black recaptures on a6 with the bishop, at once or after ...g6, and turns the pieces toward the queenside.

Both begin 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5. In the Benko, Black plays 3... b5 and gives up a pawn to open the queenside, while the Benoni keeps the material and fights in the centre.

There is no single best line. White can keep the pawn with 5. bxa6 or 5. e3, hand it back with 5. b6, or decline the gambit with 4. Nf3 or 4. b3.

Benko, Anand, Kasparov, Topalov, Tal, Carlsen, Ivanchuk, Adams, Shirov, and Gelfand have all used it.

Choose the Benoni if you want sharp central play with all your material. Choose the Benko if you want long-term queenside pressure in return for a pawn.