Benko Gambit Accepted: Fianchetto Variation (A58)

The Fianchetto Variation is a variation of the Benko Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO A58. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after nine moves.

On the Benko Gambit Accepted generally: ECO A57. A chess opening with 10 known variations.

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Benko Gambit Accepted: Fianchetto Variation — position after Nf3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4c5
3d5b5
4cxb5a6
5bxa6g6
6Nc3Bxa6
7g3d6
8Bg2Bg7
9Nf3

ECO: A58

Stockfish: +0.59 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Benko Gambit Accepted lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Fianchetto Variation?

The Fianchetto Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3. It is a variation of the Benko Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO A58.

What is the ECO code for the Fianchetto Variation?

The Fianchetto Variation is ECO A58. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Benko Gambit Accepted.

Is the Fianchetto Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Bg7 9. Nf3 at +0.59 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Fianchetto Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.