Theoria
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Benoni Defense

Classical Variation, Full Line

A74positional

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4c5
  3. 3.d5e6
  4. 4.Nc3exd5
  5. 5.cxd5d6
  6. 6.e4g6
  7. 7.Nf3Bg7
  8. 8.Be2O-O
  9. 9.O-Oa6
  10. 10.a4
344 games49%47%

Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Full Line: a main-line Modern Benoni position where 10. a4 restrains ...b5, leaving Black to choose a plan.

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About the Full Line

The Full Line is the Classical Variation main line after 9...a6 10. a4, in which White spends a tempo on the a-pawn to stop ...b5 and keep Black's queenside expansion in check. The cost is a slightly loosened b4 square. Black usually replies 10...Re8, pressing e4, or 10...Bg4, the Argentine Counterattack, which aims to exchange the bishop for the f3-knight. The rarer 10...Nbd7 heads for e5 or c5. Engines give White a slight edge, but practical results are close to level.

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