Answer Bb5+ accurately
Choose the response to White's check with the resulting piece placement in mind. Black must preserve coordination and avoid blocking the queenside pieces unnecessarily.
Benoni Defence Taimanov Variation
Learn the Benoni Defence Taimanov Variation from Black's point of view through complete model games. Predict Black's moves in one of the Modern Benoni's sharpest systems and practise neutralising White's early Bb5+ before creating counterplay.
Benoni Defence Taimanov Variation
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Model games
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What is the Benoni Defence Taimanov Variation?
The Benoni Defence Taimanov Variation is a forcing response to the Modern Benoni. A typical move order is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Bb5+. White combines rapid kingside expansion with a check that interferes with Black's normal development and makes the next defensive choice important.
White often wants to support e4-e5, develop quickly and use the lead in space to build an attack. Black must answer the check accurately, avoid passive piece placement and look for the familiar Benoni breaks ...b5 and ...f5 when they are tactically sound. Because the position becomes concrete early, move order and calculation matter as much as the strategic plans.
Plans and ideas to look for
Watch the e4-e5 break
White's pawn centre can advance quickly. Control e5, identify tactical threats on the diagonal and be ready to challenge the centre before the attack gathers momentum.
Find active counterplay
Use ...b5 or ...f5 only when the pieces support the break. Timely activity is essential because a slow setup can leave Black cramped under White's extra space.
How to study these Benoni games as Black
Take Black's side before revealing each move and begin by calculating the consequences of White's check and central threats. Compare candidate replies to Bb5+, then track how Black completes development and prepares ...b5 or ...f5. After each game, review whether Black challenged White's centre at the right moment or allowed the e4-e5 advance to become dangerous. This makes the variation's tactical move orders easier to connect with the underlying Benoni strategy.
Compare the ideas with the Benoni Defense Classical Variation, or return to Guess the Move chess training to study more complete games.