Benoni Defense: Classical Variation

One of the main ideas for white in this opening is to control the central squares and gain space. This move (1. d4) achieves this goal by placing a pawn in the center of the board. White's aim is to create a strong pawn center and prepare for a potential attack on the black king. Additionally, this move opens up the possibility for white to connect their rooks and develop their pieces.

Black's move (1... Nf6) is a common response to 1. d4 as it aims to control the central squares as well. By placing a knight in the center, Black challenges White's control and puts pressure on the d4 pawn. Additionally, this move prepares for Black's future development by allowing their c8 bishop to come out to a potentially strong diagonal. The knight also has the potential to jump to f4 in some variations, putting pressure on the white center.

White's move (2. c4) is a natural continuation of their plan to control the central squares. By advancing the pawn to c4, White puts pressure on the d5 square and aims to gain more space on the board. This move also opens lines for the white queen and bishop, potentially allowing them to quickly develop their pieces. Additionally, by playing c4, White can gain a strong position in the center and challenge Black to find a solid response.

In the Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Black's move (2... e6) is a common response to control the d5 square and prepare for the development of their light-squared bishop. By placing a pawn on e6, Black reinforces their control over the central squares and prepares to support their d5 pawn if needed. This move also opens a diagonal for Black's bishop, which can be developed to b7 or to d7 in some variations. Additionally, e6 can potentially limit White's control and attack on the center of the board.

White's move (3. Nf3) aims to develop a minor piece actively and control the central squares. By placing the knight on f3, White adds pressure to the e5 square and prepares to castle their king. Additionally, this move prepares for future pawn advances towards the center and allows other pieces to be developed more easily. Often, White's knight on f3 can also support a pawn push to e4 in order to gain even more control over the center. Finally, Nf3 frees the queen's path towards the king-side of the board, thereby increasing the potential for an attack in the middle or endgame.

Black's move (3... c5) aims to challenge White's control over the center of the board. By placing a pawn on c5, Black gains space and prepares to support their d5 pawn push, which can lead to a more central position. This move also puts pressure on the d4 pawn and potentially weakens White's pawn structure. Additionally, the pawn on c5 prepares for Black's potential capture on d4, which can lead to an open c-file and a strong counter-attack. Finally, c5 can support the development of Black's minor pieces, especially their queenside bishop.

In the Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, White's move (4. d5) aims to gain more central control and pawn space. By pushing the d-pawn forward, White attacks Black's pawn on c5, potentially forcing a capture and opening up the c-file. Additionally, this move prepares to develop the light-squared bishop and knight, and helps to connect White's rooks. d5 can also lead to a more open position, which can benefit White's pieces. Finally, White's pawn on d5 can potentially become a strong central passer pawn, creating threats and placing pressure on Black's position.

Black's move (4... exd5) aims to open up lines for their minor pieces and gain control of the center. By capturing on d5 with their e6 pawn, Black gains a pawn in the center and opens the e-file for their rook. Additionally, this move potentially weakens White's pawn structure and can limit their pawn's flexibility. This capture also prepares for Black's future development by allowing their light-squared bishop to be developed to a strong diagonal. Finally, this move also eliminates the possibility of a potential discovered check by White's light-squared bishop.

White's move (5. cxd5) aims to recapture the pawn in the center and create a passed pawn on the d-file. By capturing with the c-pawn on d5, White opens up a strong central passer pawn and creates potential threats against Black's position. Additionally, capturing on d5 eliminates Black's pawn in the center, reducing their control of the board. White's move also develops their queen's bishop and allows it to potentially attack Black's pawn on d6. But, playing cxd5 can also weaken White's pawn structure, potentially creating weaknesses in their position. Finally, this capture can also open up lines for both sides, leading to more tactical play.

In the Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Black's move (5... d6) aims to reinforce their position in the center and prepare for further development. By placing a pawn on d6, Black potentially supports their pawn on e5 and prevents White from advancing their own pawn to d6 later in the game. This move also opens up a diagonal for Black's light-squared bishop, which can be developed to a strong position on c5 or b4. Additionally, d6 can potentially block attacks from White's queen's bishop. Finally, this move prepares for Black's development of their pieces and potentially deters White from launching an attack on their king.

White's move (6. Nc3) aims to develop a minor piece and control the central squares. By placing the knight on c3, White prepares to castle their king-side and adds pressure to the d5 square. Additionally, this move frees up the queen's knight to move to a more effective position. The knight on c3 also provides an additional defender for White's pawn on d4. Finally, Nc3 prepares for White's future pawn advances towards the center and can potentially threaten Black's position with a jump to d5 or e4.

In the Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Black's move (6... g6) aims to develop their kingside bishop and prepare for castling. By placing the pawn on g6, Black creates a safe haven for their king and prepares to put their dark-squared bishop on the long diagonal. This move also supports Black's position in the center and adds pressure to White's pawn on d4. Additionally, g6 can potentially stop any future attacks by White's bishop on h6, which could otherwise threaten Black's king. Finally, this move prepares for Black's future pawn advances on the kingside and can create potential weaknesses in White's position if Black's bishop becomes active.

In the Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, White's move (7. e4) aims to gain space in the center and create potential pawn breaks. By advancing the e-pawn forward, White aims to gain control of the d5 square and potentially prepare for a future attack on the kingside. Additionally, e4 can help White to further develop their pieces and prepare for castling on either side of the board. This move also potentially opens up lines for White's pieces and can create tactical opportunities. However, playing e4 can also create potential weaknesses in White's position, especially if the pawn is unable to maintain its position in the center. Finally, this move can also limit Black's control of the board, especially in the center.