Benko Gambit Declined: Bishop Attack

In the Benko Gambit Declined: Bishop Attack, White begins the game by playing the move 1.d4. This is a natural and popular move in chess, as it stakes a claim in the center and frees the bishop on c1. By playing d4, White gains control over the square e4, limiting Black's options and potential mobility. This move is a great way for White to start building up a strong position and laying the groundwork for future attacks. Additionally, in this specific opening, White's goal is to offer the Benko Gambit and lure Black into accepting it.

Black's move 1...Nf6 is a typical response in many modern chess openings, including the queen's pawn game. By placing the knight on f6, Black aims to challenge White's control over the center and put pressure on the d4-pawn. This move prepares possible future moves like ...d5, ...e6, ...g6, among others. It also sets up a more flexible pawn structure, as the knight can be rerouted to other squares if needed. In sum, by playing 1...Nf6, Black takes the first steps towards developing their pieces and preparing for potential counterattacks.

White's move 2.c4 is a standard response to Black's knight move, which helps support and protect the d4-pawn. This move aims to gain control of the important central squares d5 and e5, while also setting up potential transpositions to various openings like the Queen's Gambit, Nimzo-Indian, and many others. Additionally, it frees the queen's bishop, which can be developed to c4 or b5, depending on the chosen opening system. The move c4 also prepares potential pawn breaks like d5 or e4, which can help disrupt Black's pawn structure and create new opportunities for White.

In the Benko Gambit Declined: Bishop Attack, Black's move 2...c5 aims to challenge White's control over the center and gain space on the queenside. This move creates a pawn chain on b5-c5-d5, known as the Benko Gambit. By playing ...c5, Black aims to open up lines for their pieces, particularly the queen's bishop on c8 and the knight on c6, while also potentially putting pressure on the d4-pawn. This move is a characteristic and aggressive response in many modern openings and requires accurate play from both sides. In sum, by playing ...c5, Black announces their intentions to fight for control of the board and take the initiative in the game.

After the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5, White's move 3.d5 aims to break up Black's pawn chain on b5-c5-d5 and gain central control. This move opens up lines for White's pieces, particularly the queen and bishop, and prepares potential attacks on Black's exposed queenside. Additionally, it frees up the c1-bishop, which can develop to b5 or a4, putting pressure on Black's d7-knight. The move d5 also limits Black's options and potential mobility, making it harder for them to develop their pieces. In sum, White's move 3.d5 is a strong and aggressive continuation, placing pressure on Black's position and setting up interesting future games depending on Black's responses.

In response to White's move 3.d5, Black's move 3...b5 starts the Benko Gambit, offering a pawn in exchange for active play on the queenside. By playing ...b5, Black aims to disrupt White's pawn structure and create asymmetry in the position. This move also prepares potential pawn breaks like ...a6 followed by ...b4, which can help gain more space and put pressure on White's c4-pawn. The gambit pawn on b5 can also be used to support Black's pieces, particularly the bishop on c8, which can become very strong after ...b5-b4. In sum, Black's move 3...b5 is a bold and aggressive continuation, which can lead to interesting and dynamic positions.

In the Benko Gambit Declined: Bishop Attack, White's move 4.Bg5 aims to put immediate pressure on Black's position by attacking the pawn on f6 and the bishop on c8. This move prevents Black from developing their knight to d7, as 4...Nd7 would allow 5.Bxf6 Nxf6, to remove the defender of the d5-pawn. Additionally, the bishop on g5 pins the knight on f6, making it harder for Black to move it without losing material. This move also prepares the possibility of a tactical combination involving the capture of the f6-knight, followed by a discovered attack on the queen. In sum, White's move 4.Bg5 is a sharp and aggressive continuation, which requires accurate play from both sides.