Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Benko Trap

The Benko Gambit is one variation stemming from the Benoni Defense (1.d4 c5)

This gambit is known in the western world after the Hungarian-American GM Pal Benko who used it in the early 1960s. But in Russia and the old socialist countries, it takes the name of Volga Gambit.

Black’s goal is to give up a pawn early on in order to have an advantage on the queenside.

In today’s trap, White offers a knight intending to win a rook in return. But that trap has a counter-trap which helps Black to win immediately the game.

The Benko Gambit is a very aggressive opening and should be played accordingly.