Benoni Defense: Classical Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4

ECO A70

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Benoni Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4.

It is catalogued under code A70 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move e4 is chosen by White on move 7.

7 named continuations branch from this position, including the New York Variation and the Traditional Variation.

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation is a line of the Benoni Defense. The Benoni Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5, after which White almost always advances 3.d5. Read the complete Benoni Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Named variations

• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, New York Variation — ECO A70
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Traditional Variation — ECO A70
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Averbakh-Grivas Attack — ECO A71
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Main Line — ECO A73
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Full Line — ECO A74
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Argentine Counterattack — ECO A75
• Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Czerniak Defense — ECO A76

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the The Modern Benoni course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.