Benko's Opening - reversed Alekhine

The Benko's Opening Reversed Alekhine, also known as the Modern Benko or the Neo-Benko, is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. g3 d52. Bg2 c5

This opening is the reversed version of the Benko Gambit, but with an extra tempo for White. It's named after Pal Benko, a Hungarian-American chess grandmaster who was known for his extensive analysis of chess openings.

Why you should play Benko's Opening Reversed Alekhine:

1. Solid Structure: The opening allows for a solid pawn structure and quick development of pieces, which can lead to a stable position in the middlegame.

2. Flexibility: The opening is flexible and can transpose into other openings such as the English Opening, Catalan, or King's Indian Attack, giving you a variety of options to choose from based on your opponent's moves.

3. Extra Tempo: As mentioned, compared to the Benko Gambit, this opening gives White an extra tempo, which can be used to gain an advantage.

4. Less Theory: Compared to many other openings, there is less theory to memorize, making it easier to play and understand.

Why you shouldn't play Benko's Opening Reversed Alekhine:

1. Passive Position: The opening can lead to a somewhat passive position for White, as Black can often take control of the center more easily.

2. Limited Attacking Chances: White's attacking chances can be limited, as the focus is more on controlling the center and maintaining a solid position rather than launching a direct attack.

3. Rare at High Levels: The opening is not commonly seen at high levels of play, which may indicate that it is not as strong as other options.

4. Black's Options: Black has many ways to respond, including playing aggressively in the center or aiming for a quick counter-attack, which can make it difficult for White to navigate the opening without deep understanding.

In conclusion, the Benko's Opening Reversed Alekhine is a solid choice for players who prefer a strategic, positional game and want to avoid extensive theoretical lines. However, it may not be the best choice for players who prefer a more aggressive, tactical style of play. As with any chess opening, it's important to study and understand the typical plans and strategies for both sides.