Benoni: Fianchetto Variation
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 · A62–A64
Part of Benoni Defense
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 18
White changes the bishop placement
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The idea
White meets the Modern Benoni with g3 and Bg2, developing the king's bishop behind a sheltered kingside rather than choosing the usual Be2 setup.
Main line: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.g3 g6 7.Bg2 Bg7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Re8
What White wants
- Develop Bg2 and Nf3, castle and support the d5 pawn
- Choose when to add e4 and prepare a central break
- Watch ...b5 and challenge the backward d6 pawn when possible
What Black wants
- Develop ...Bg7 and castle without neglecting central pressure
- Use ...Re8 to contest a later e4 pawn and improve the knights
- Prepare ...b5 for queenside activity rather than playing passively
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
White changes the bishop placement
The variation is named for White's g3 and Bg2, not Black's normal fianchetto. The bishop helps cover the king and may become active when the centre clears, but d5 currently blocks its diagonal. White still needs development and a concrete central plan.
Common mistake
Assuming Bg2 neutralises all counterplay. Black still has ...b5 and pressure on the centre; White's bishop needs open diagonals to become active. Complete development and judge e4 or a central exchange before committing to a flank attack.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
rnbqr1k1/pp3pbp/3p1np1/2pP4/8/2N2NP1/PP2PPBP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 6 10
Analyze this position