Chess opening · ECO A57

Benko Gambit

The Benko Gambit starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5. It ranks #126 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5. White to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
  3. 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
  4. 2... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
  5. 3. d5White advances the d-pawn to d5, staking a claim in the center.
  6. 3... b5Black pushes the b-pawn two squares to b5.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is b3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is cxb5.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
1200–1399b3 89%e3 11%–
1400–1599b3 41%cxb5 27%e3 26%
1600–1799cxb5 41%b3 33%e3 15%
1800–1999cxb5 65%b3 13%e3 10%
2000 and upcxb5 73%Nf3 17%Qc2 7%

Practice it against a human-like opponent.

BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.

Play a free coached game →

Played this opening recently?

Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.

Analyze a game free →