Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit is an exciting and unorthodox opening for black in response to 1. d4.

By pushing b5 early on, black creates dynamic counterplay on the queenside, potentially gaining control of the c4-square.

White's most common reply is 4. e4, attacking the pawn on b5 and gaining control of the center. However, black can respond forcefully with moves like Qa5 and Nbd7, leading to a complex and tactical battle.

This opening is not without its drawbacks, as black's king remains in the center and the pawn on b5 can become a target for white's pieces.

In sum, the Hjørring Countergambit requires strong tactical abilities and an ability to navigate complicated positions, but can be a potent surprise weapon for black.

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit, move by move

d4

+0.14

The move d4 is a strong and common opening move played by White in chess. It controls the center of the board and prepares for future developments in the game. Additionally, it allows for the possibility of attacking Black's knight on f6 with the move e4. In sum, d4 is a versatile move that sets the stage for a strategic game.

Play on the board

Nf6

+0.64

After White's opening move of d4, Black responds with Nf6. This is a solid move that also controls the center of the board and prepares for future developments. Black's knight can also attack White's pawn on e4 if it advances to that square, putting pressure on White at an early stage of the game. Additionally, the move Nf6 sets up the possibility of playing the king's indian defense, which can be a powerful counter-attacking strategy. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible and strategic move for Black in response to d4.

Play on the board

c4

-0.12

White's move of c4 after Black's Nf6 is known as the Queen's Pawn Opening. This move further controls the center of the board and puts pressure on Black to respond. By placing the pawn on c4, White gains more space on the board and prepares to develop the queen's bishop to either g2 or f4. Additionally, advancing the c-pawn can potentially create a pawn chain with pawns on d5 and e4, which can be difficult for Black to break. In sum, c4 is a strategic move that allows White to gain control and flexibility in the early stages of the game.

Play on the board

c5

+1.13

In the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit, Black's move of c5 is a common response to White's move of c4. This move aims to counterattack against White's control of the center and gain more space for Black's pieces. By pushing the pawn to c5, Black exerts pressure on White's pawn chain and prepares to develop the queen's bishop to b7, which can be a strong diagonal for Black. Additionally, c5 can potentially lead to gambit lines, such as the Benko Gambit, where Black sacrifices a pawn for active play. In sum, c5 is a dynamic move for Black that allows for counterattacking opportunities.

Play on the board

d5

+0.69

White's move of d5 after Black's c5 is a logical continuation of White's efforts to control the center of the board. By placing the pawn on d5, White gains more space and restricts Black's counterplay. Additionally, the pawn on d5 can support White's knight if it moves to the c3 square, which can be a strong outpost. d5 also creates the possibility of exchanging pawns and opening up lines for White's pieces to develop. In sum, d5 is a solid and strategic move for White that allows for increased control and flexibility in the early stages of the game.

Play on the board

b5

+0.87

Black's move of b5 after White's d5 is a pawn sacrifice that aims to create counterplay and increase Black's control of the queenside. By pushing the pawn to b5, Black attacks White's pawn chain and potentially gains a tempo by forcing the knight to move to a different square. Additionally, b5 can create pressure on White's queen if it moves to b3. This move can also lead to the Benko Gambit if White accepts the pawn sacrifice. In sum, b5 is a dynamic move for Black that creates opportunities for counterattacking and increases the complexity of the game.

Play on the board

e4

-0.56

In the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit, White's move of e4 after Black's b5 is a common response to Black's pawn sacrifice. This move prepares to expand White's control of the center and potentially shut down Black's counterplay. By placing the pawn on e4, White gains more space and opens lines for the pieces, such as the bishop on c1. Additionally, e4 breaks up Black's pawn chain and potentially exposes weaknesses in Black's position. This move can also lead to gambit lines, where White sacrifices a pawn for aggressive play. In sum, e4 is a strong and aggressive move for White that seeks to counter Black's dynamic opening strategy.

Play on the board

How to play the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit begins with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. e4. Black should respond with 4...d6 to support the pawn on b5 and prepare to castle.

White will typically continue with Nf3 and Bd3, while black should aim to take control of the c4 square with moves like Nbd7 and Ba6.

Black should be prepared for white's attacks on the b5-pawn and consider defensive options like Nb6 and a5. It's critical for black to develop his pieces quickly and look for opportunities to counterattack.

With precise play and a willingness to take risks, black can turn the tables on white and use the dynamic potential of the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit to gain the upper hand.

How to counter the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit is a tricky opening for white to face, but there are some common strategies that can be employed to counter black's early pawn push.

One approach is to accept the gambit with 5. Nxb5 Nxe4 6. Qe2, which puts pressure on the pawn on e4 and forces black to use time to defend it.

Another option is to play more conservatively with moves like Nf3 and g3, aiming for a solid and positional opening.

White should also be ready to defend against black's queenside threats by using pieces to control the c4 square and protecting the b5-pawn.

Playing against the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit requires careful calculation and flexibility, but with the right approach, white can neutralize black's early aggression and gain an advantage.

Pawn structure in the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit often results in an unbalanced pawn structure with black having a pawn on b5 and white having a pawn on e4.

White's pawn on e4 can be a powerful tool for controlling the center and gaining space, while black's b5 pawn offers the potential for counterplay on the queenside.

However, black must be careful not to overcommit to the b5 pawn and leave it vulnerable to attack.

White should look for ways to undermine black's pawn structure and emphasize the weakened squares created by the pawn on b5.

Understanding and exploiting the dynamics of the pawn structure is a key factor in navigating the complex and tactical positions that arise in the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit.

The papachess advice

Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit is a highly dynamic and unorthodox opening for black that can catch opponents off guard and lead to exciting play. With its early pawn push and focus on queenside counterplay, it offers unique challenges and opportunities that require careful calculation and an ability to navigate complex positions.

While black must be prepared to defend against attacks on the b5 pawn and protect the king in the center, this opening provides a fertile ground for creative and tactical play.

White, too, will need to be ready to face the potential threats and counterattacks of black's play and look for strategic ways to undermine and counterbalance black's position.

Players of both colors will need to be flexible and alert to changing nuances in the position, ready to seize any weaknesses or opportunities that arise.

In short, the Benko Gambit Declined: Hjørring Countergambit is an opening that rewards boldness, creativity, and tactical skill, offering a refreshing and unpredictable addition to any player's repertoire.