Main Line

The Main Line of the Benko Gambit Declined, 4. Nf3, protects the c4-pawn with a developing move and is regarded as the simplest way to refuse the b-pawn. Black may gain queenside space with 4...b4, take on c4, or play 4...g6, which often leads back toward accepted-gambit structures once White captures on b5. The most frequent reply in practice is 4...e6, transposing to the Blumenfeld Countergambit. Engines give White a slight edge, and results are close to even.