← Benko Gambit

Practice: Zaitsev Variation (5.b6)

Queen captures on b6

Instead of the usual 5.bxa6, White plays 5.b6 avoiding the open a-file. Black recaptures with the queen on b6, gaining activity in exchange for White keeping the extra a-pawn.

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 c5
3. d5 b5
4. cxb5 a6
5. b6 Qxb6
6. Nc3 d6
7. e4 g6
8. Nf3 Bg7
9. Be2 O-O
♟

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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

  • 5.b6 is the Zaitsev Variation — White avoids opening the a-file for Black's rook
  • Black's queen on b6 is active and pressures the queenside
  • White keeps an extra pawn but Black gets piece activity in return

About this line

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