Fianchetto Variation, Benjamin Defense
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4g6
- 3.Nc3Bg7
- 4.Nf3d6
- 5.g3O-O
- 6.Bg2c6
- 7.O-OQb6
262 games
A rare King's Indian Fianchetto line in which Black follows ...c6 with an early ...Qb6, pressing on d4 and b2 instead of choosing a classical setup.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Benjamin Defense
The Benjamin Defense is a seldom-played branch of the Fianchetto Variation. Black plays 6...c6 and, after 7. O-O, follows with 7...Qb6, which puts pressure on d4 and the b2-pawn instead of committing at once to ...e5 or ...c5. White most often replies with the central 8. e4, with the prophylactic 8. b3, or with 8. h3. Engines give White a slight edge, while online results are close to even.