Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense

The Benoni Defense is the main line of the Leningrad Variation after 6. d5. Instead of opening the center with ...exd5, Black plays 6...d6, which works around the advanced d-pawn and prepares ...e5. The usual reply, 7. e3, is normally met by 7...Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 e5, which leads to a closed dark-square blockade, and Black may break the pin with ...g5. White's other options are 7. e4 and 7. Nf3. Engines rate the position as balanced.