Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Traditional Variation

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

ECO A70

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Traditional 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 Bg7 8.Be2.

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

The defining move Be2 is chosen by White on move 8.

The Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Traditional 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.

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.