Benoni Defense: Uhlmann Variation (A61)

The Uhlmann Variation is a variation of the Benoni Defense, catalogued as ECO A61. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after seven moves.

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

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Benoni Defense: Uhlmann Variation — position after Bg5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Bg5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3c5
4d5exd5
5cxd5d6
6Nc3g6
7Bg5

ECO: A61

Stockfish: +0.27 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Benoni Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Uhlmann Variation?

The Uhlmann Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Bg5. It is a variation of the Benoni Defense and is catalogued as ECO A61.

What is the ECO code for the Uhlmann Variation?

The Uhlmann Variation is ECO A61. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Benoni Defense.

Is the Uhlmann 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. Bg5 at +0.27 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 Uhlmann Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.