Old Benoni defence

The Old Benoni Defence is a chess opening that arises from the following moves:

1. d4 Nf6

2. c4 c5

3. d5 e6

It is a somewhat unconventional response to the Queen's Pawn Opening (1.d4) and is classified under the ECO codes A66-A79. The Old Benoni is a popular choice among players who enjoy complex, unbalanced positions and are willing to take some risks to gain counterplay.

Reasons to play the Old Benoni Defence:

1. Counterplay: The Old Benoni offers Black dynamic counterplay from the outset. By allowing White to establish a central pawn majority, Black aims to put pressure on the d5-pawn and create imbalances to generate active piece play.

2. Unbalanced positions: The Old Benoni often leads to asymmetrical positions with unique pawn structures. This can make it difficult for the opponent to navigate the complicated middlegame positions that arise.

3. Attacking chances: Black's setup in the Old Benoni is designed for a quick kingside expansion with moves like ...g6, ...Bg7, and ...h5. This can lead to powerful kingside attacks, especially if White is too slow in initiating action in the center or on the queenside.

4. Weapon against 1.d4: If you enjoy playing aggressive and complex positions, the Old Benoni can be a great choice to have in your repertoire against 1.d4 players.

Reasons not to play the Old Benoni Defence:

1. Risky: The Old Benoni can be a risky choice since Black allows White to establish a significant central pawn majority. If White manages to consolidate their position and neutralize Black's counterplay, Black may face a difficult strategic battle.

2. Requires deep understanding: To play the Old Benoni successfully, you need to have a deep understanding of its typical pawn structures, piece placement, and strategic ideas. This can be time-consuming and requires serious study.

3. Theory-heavy: Like many modern openings, the Old Benoni has been analyzed extensively, and there are many different variations and sub-variations. Keeping up with the latest theory can be challenging, and some lines may require precise move orders.

4. Not suitable for everyone: The Old Benoni is an aggressive and double-edged opening. If you prefer solid, positional chess or do not feel comfortable with the inherent risks involved, the Old Benoni might not be the best choice for you.

In conclusion, the Old Benoni Defence can be a powerful weapon for players who enjoy complex, unbalanced positions and are willing to invest time in studying its intricacies. However, it might not be suitable for everyone due to its inherent risks and the need for a deep understanding of its strategic ideas.