The Benoni Defense: Benoni Gambit, Schlenker Defense reaches a named position after 2 moves: 1. d4 c5 2. dxc5 Na6
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
Black accepts a space disadvantage and creates queenside pawn play against White's central majority.
What to look for
- Use ...b5 for queenside counterplay.
- Pressure e4 with Re8 and Bg7.
- Trade White's active pieces when space is tight.
Position details
This line branches from Benoni Defense: Benoni Gambit Accepted with Na6.
r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/n7/2P5/8/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 1 3