Benoni Defense: Classical Variation, Traditional Variation (A70)

The Classical Variation, Traditional Variation is a variation of the Benoni Defense, catalogued as ECO A70. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

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

On the Benoni Defense generally: An aggressive defense where Black accepts a space disadvantage for dynamic counterplay.

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.

Related Benoni Defense lines

• Four Pawns Attack
• Four Pawns Attack, Main Line
• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, New York Variation
• Classical Variation, Averbakh-Grivas Attack
• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, Main Line
• Classical Variation, Full Line
• Franco-Sicilian Hybrid
• King's Indian System
• Modern Variation, Snake Variation
• Main Line

See all 36 Benoni Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Traditional Variation?

The Classical Variation, Traditional Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2. It is a variation of the Benoni Defense and is catalogued as ECO A70.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Traditional Variation?

The Classical Variation, Traditional Variation is ECO A70. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Benoni Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Traditional Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2 at +0.53 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 Classical Variation, Traditional Variation lead to?

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