Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Czerniak Defense

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Nf3 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O Re8

ECO A76

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Czerniak Defense is a chess opening line in the Benoni Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Nf3 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O Re8.

It is catalogued under code A76 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Re8 is chosen by Black on move 9.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Tal Line.

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Czerniak Defense 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, Czerniak Defense, Tal Line — ECO A77

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.