Ideal for those wanting to understand the basics of Benoni Systems. This book is a study of all the crucial Benoni systems apart from the Modern Benoni. It presents diverse and practical options against the queen's pawn opening for dynamic, tactical players and solid, positional players alike. Included are such daring defences as the controversial Blumenfeld Counter-Gambit and the Benko Gambit, a favourite with uncompromising Grandmasters such as Veselin Topalov and Vassily Ivanchuk. On the other hand, Black also has the opportunity to adopt solid, respectable defences such as the Czech Benoni and the Schmid Benoni. Whether Black likes to sacrifice and take the initiative, or whether he prefers to play in a more restrained manner, there is something here for all types of player.

In this user-friendly book, opening theoreticians Alexander Raetsky and Maxim Chetverik go back to basics, studying the fundamental principles of the Benoni Systems and its many variations. Throughout the book there are an abundance of notes, tips and warnings to help the improving player, while key strategies, ideas and tactics for both sides are clearly illustrated.

• User-friendly design to help readers absorb ideas

• Concentrates on the key principles of Benoni systems

• Ideal for the improving player

List of Content

005 Introduction

007 1 The Volga Gambit Accepted

044 2 The Volga Gambit Accepted without 5 bxa6

093 3 The Volga Gambit Declined

115 4 The Blumenfeld Gambit and Volga/Blumenfeld Hybrids

134 5 The Czech and Closed Benonis

157 6 1 d4 Nf6 2 Nf3 c5 3 d5

183 7 The Schmid Benoni

198 8 The Benoni/King's Indian Hybrid

213 9 Assorted Benonis

236 Index of Variations

238 Index of Complete Games