Theoria
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Benko Gambit Declined

Pseudo-Sämisch

A57offbeatpositional

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4c5
  3. 3.d5b5
  4. 4.f3
235 games46%50%

A rare way to decline the Benko Gambit with 4. f3, preparing e4 in Sämisch style; roughly balanced, with Black scoring slightly better in practice.

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About the Pseudo-Sämisch

The Pseudo-Sämisch is one of the rarer ways to decline the Benko Gambit. With 4. f3 White ignores the b5-pawn and prepares e4, building a pawn chain that recalls the Sämisch Variation of the King's Indian Defense. The most frequent reply is 4...bxc4, taking the pawn at once. The alternatives 4...g6 and 4...d6 favor quieter development. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Black has scored slightly better in practice.

Popular continuations