Benko Gambit: Accepted, Pawn Return (A58)

The Accepted, Pawn Return is a variation of the Benko Gambit, 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, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

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

On the Benko Gambit generally: ECO A57. A chess opening with 8 known variations.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Benko Gambit: Accepted, Pawn Return — position after Bxa6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4c5
3d5b5
4cxb5a6
5bxa6g6
6Nc3Bxa6

ECO: A58

Stockfish: +0.82 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Benko Gambit lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Accepted, Pawn Return?

The Accepted, Pawn Return goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6. It is a variation of the Benko Gambit and is catalogued as ECO A58.

What is the ECO code for the Accepted, Pawn Return?

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

Is the Accepted, Pawn Return good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 g6 6. Nc3 Bxa6 at +0.82 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Accepted, Pawn Return lead to?

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