Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a chess opening that starts with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. b6.

This opening is played by black, and it offers a pawn sacrifice for the development of strong counterplay on the queenside.

The idea is to give up the b5-pawn in exchange for control of the c4-square and the a-file, which allows black to generate pressure against the white pawns and potential weaknesses in the enemy king position.

The difficulty of playing this opening lies in finding the right balance between creating pressure and avoiding unnecessary risk. It requires a good understanding of pawn structure and positional play.

In sum, the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a strong opening choice for more aggressive and adventurous players who are looking for interesting and complex positions. However, it is not without its weaknesses, as white has several options to choose from that can offer opportunities for counterplay and tactical strikes.

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation, move by move

d4

+0.14

In the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation, white starts with the move d4, a pawn move that aims to control the center of the board and initiate an aggressive play. By pushing the pawn to d4, white gains control of more squares and opens up opportunities for the development of pieces. This move also supports the pawn on c4 and puts pressure on black's pawn on d5. In sum, d4 is a strong move that sets up the opening for an exciting and dynamic game.

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Nf6

+0.64

After white plays d4, black responds with the move Nf6, a pawn move that aims to control the central square e4. By doing so, black also develops their knight and prepares to castle king-side for better safety. Additionally, the move puts pressure on white's pawn on e4, which may result in black gaining a central pawn advantage. Nf6 is an essential move in many openings and sets up the game for more intricate and tactical positions.

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c4

-0.12

After the initial moves of d4 and Nf6, white plays c4, also known as the Queen's Pawn Opening. The move aims to further control the center of the board and support the pawn on d4. c4 also invites the possibility of developing the knight to c3 and bishop to f4, creating the advantageous position of controlling both central squares. In sum, c4 is a strong move that sets up the game for a more strategic and positional play.

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c5

+1.13

In the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation, after the initial moves of d4 and Nf6, black plays the move c5. This move aims to challenge white's pawn control of the center and put pressure on the pawn on d4. By playing c5, black also gains space on the queen-side and sets the foundation for potential future attacks. In sum, c5 is an essential move that helps black to control a significant part of the board and seize the initiative.

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d5

+0.69

After the moves of d4 and Nf6, black responds with c5, challenging white's central pawn control. To challenge this, white aims to play d5. By doing so, white reinforces the strong pawn on d4, gains control of more center squares, and opens lines for their pieces. The move also puts pressure on black's pawn on c5, which may result in white gaining the advantage of an isolated pawn. In sum, d5 is a strong move that prepares the opening for a more tactical play.

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b5

+0.87

After the moves d4, Nf6, c4, and c5, white plays d5, aiming to further control the center and open lines for their pieces. To counter this move, black often responds with b5. This move aims to create a pawn structure imbalance on both sides of the board and challenge white's pawn control of the center. By playing b5, black also gains a space advantage on the queen-side and sets the foundation for future attacks. In sum, b5 is often played in the opening to unsettle the opponent's position and seize the initiative.

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cxb5

+0.25

In the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation, black plays b5, sacrificing a pawn to gain an active pawn majority on the queen-side. To accept the gambit, white plays the move cxb5, taking the pawn on b5. By doing so, white gets a material advantage and opens the c-file for their rook. The move also puts pressure on black's position, as the pawn on a6 may become a target. In sum, cxb5 is a strong move that allows white to gain material and set the opening for a more active play.

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a6

+0.92

After the moves d4, Nf6, c4, c5, d5, and b5, white takes the pawn on b5 with the move cxb5. In response, black plays a6, aiming to gain some control over the b5 square and prevent white's pawn from advancing further. By playing a6, black also prepares to develop their knight to a5, placing pressure on the pawn on c4. In sum, a6 is a useful move in the Benko Gambit that helps black gain some breathing space and set the groundwork for future tactical plays.

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b6

+0.4

After the moves d4, Nf6, c4, c5, d5, b5, and a6, white responds to the aggressive pawn on a6 by playing b6. This move aims to challenge black's control of the queen-side and pressure their pawn structure. By playing b6, white also opens up the b-file for their rook and gains space for potential attacks. In sum, b6 is a strong move that sets up the board for a more positional play, while also limiting black's possibilities for future pawn advances.

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How to play the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a great way for black to get a dynamic and aggressive game right out of the opening.

The position is heavily pawn-structured and requires precise moves in order to seize the initiative and maintain counterplay.

One of the main ideas behind this opening is to put pressure on white's pawn structure via the a-file, while simultaneously controlling key squares such as c4.

You should be cautious of the compromising effect the opening can have on your king's defense. One of the main dangers that arise from playing Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is overextending your position.

Remember that the opening requires a balance between the desire to create pressure and the need to maintain good pawn structure. Play accurately and purposefully, and you should emerge from the opening with strong chances for success.

How to counter the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a highly aggressive opening that black can use to put white under pressure from the outset.

There are a number of ways to attempt to neutralize this opening, such as accepting the pawn sacrifice and returning it quickly, or avoiding the gambit altogether by playing 4. Nf3 or 4. e3.

It is important to be aware of the central and queenside tactics that black seeks to use, such as exchanging light-squared bishops to free up the b7-pawn, and black's option of recapturing the pawn on b5 with the knight instead of the queen.

In general, playing solid, strategic moves while avoiding unnecessary risk can help defuse the counterplay that black seeks to generate.

Don't rush your moves, be patient and look for opportunities to gain space and position while limiting black's aggressive chances and attack.

Pawn structure in the Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation features a unique pawn structure that is uncommon in many other chess openings.

Black sacrifices their b-pawn in order to quickly develop pieces and gain active counterplay against white's pawn structure.

White's remaining b-pawn remains backward and can become a target for black's pieces in the long term, particularly the knight on c3.

Black generally relies on controlling the c4-square and putting pressure on white's pawns in order to make up for their material deficit.

The pawn structure can quickly become complex and require careful maneuvering in order to maintain equality and not overextend your position.

The papachess advice

Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a highly dynamic and aggressive opening that requires a strong positional understanding and tactical awareness.

It is a gambit that offers black the opportunity to generate strong counterplay and pressure on white's pawn structure, often leading to complex and exciting positions.

Playing the opening accurately is crucial, as it is easy to overextend and fall victim to white's central counterplay.

However, if black plays with precision and balances their aggression with strong pawn structure, the opening can lead to great success.

The pawn structure in this opening is unique and complex, with both sides offering and accepting pawn sacrifices in order to gain key squares and attacking chances.

White has several options for countering the gambit, including accepting the pawn sacrifice and returning it quickly, or avoiding the gambit altogether.

The opening requires a balance of risk and reward, and is a good choice for those players seeking an aggressive game with complex tactical and strategic exchange.

In sum, Benko Gambit Accepted: Pawn Return Variation is a challenging yet rewarding opening to learn and master, and is a great tool for those players looking to expand their chess repertoire and add some excitement and creativity to their game.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the opening, as well as the proper pawn structures and tactics to employ, players can succeed with this opening in both casual and competitive games.

Give it a try and see for yourself what this exciting gambit has to offer!