The Benoni Defense: Old Benoni reaches a named position after 2 moves: 1. d4 c5 2. d5
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 the e5 break when it drives defenders away.
- Expand on the kingside with f4.
- Control b5 to slow Black's queenside play.
Position details
This line branches from Benoni Defense: Old Benoni with d5.
rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2pP4/8/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - 0 2