Benoni Defense: Taimanov Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Bb5+

ECO A67

The Benoni Defense: Taimanov Variation 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.f4 Bg7 8.Bb5+.

It is catalogued under code A67 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bb5+ is chosen by White on move 8.

The Benoni Defense: Taimanov 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 Benko Gambit 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.