← Benko Gambit

Practice: King's Indian Setup (4...g6)

Black transposes to a KID instead of the Benko

Black plays a King's Indian setup with ...g6 instead of the immediate ...b5. White builds a traditional KID structure and Black can still sacrifice on b5 later if the timing is right.

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 c5
3. d5 g6
4. Nc3 Bg7
5. e4 d6
6. Nf3 O-O
7. Be2 b5
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • Black offers the b5 pawn for long-term queenside pressure. The goal is open a-and b-files, an active bishop on a6, and a rook that can get to the seventh rank.
  • After 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 Bxa6, Black's compensation is almost completely positional. The missing pawn does not matter if White cannot develop.
  • White's best plan is to keep the extra pawn and try to return it at the right moment to defuse Black's pressure.

Common mistakes & traps

  • A common mistake: after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6? Qxb6 6.Nc3 Qc6, White has won a pawn but Black's compensation (open lines, pressure) is overwhelming.
  • Black must avoid 4...a6 5.bxa6 g6? 6.Nc3 Bxa6 7.e4 Bxf1 8.Kxf1 d6 9.g3. White consolidates and Black's compensation fades away.

Pawn structure notes

Black's queenside is wide open after the ...b5 and ...a6 exchanges. White's extra pawn is on the queenside but hard to defend. Black's pawns on d6 and g6 form a solid chain, and the open files provide lasting pressure.

Tips

  • 3...g6 avoids the sharp Benko accepted lines and transposes to a KID
  • Black can still play ...b5 later as a delayed Benko gambit
  • A flexible approach that keeps White guessing about Black's intentions

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.