Theoria
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Benoni Defense

Classical Variation, Main Line

A73positionaltactical

  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-O
1,341 games50%46%

Main tabiya of the Classical Benoni after 8. Be2 O-O 9. O-O, where Black chooses between ...Re8, ...Bg4 and ...a6 in a sharp Modern Benoni structure.

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About the Main Line

The Main Line arises when White, having developed with 8. Be2, castles on move nine and leaves Black to pick a plan. The most common choice is the Czerniak Defense 9...Re8, pressing on e4. Next come 9...Bg4, exchanging the bishop for the f3-knight to relieve the cramp, and 9...a6, preparing ...b5. Engines see a slight edge for White, and 9...a6 has scored best for Black in Lichess games.

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