Benko Gambit: Nescafe Frappe Attack (A57)

The Nescafe Frappe Attack is a variation of the Benko Gambit, catalogued as ECO A57. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after eight 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: Nescafe Frappe Attack — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4c5
3d5b5
4cxb5a6
5Nc3axb5
6e4b4
7Nb5d6
8Bc4

ECO: A57

Stockfish: -0.17 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Nescafe Frappe Attack?

The Nescafe Frappe Attack goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4. It is a variation of the Benko Gambit and is catalogued as ECO A57.

What is the ECO code for the Nescafe Frappe Attack?

The Nescafe Frappe Attack is ECO A57. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Benko Gambit.

Is the Nescafe Frappe Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4 at -0.17 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Nescafe Frappe Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.