Chess opening · ECO A56
Benoni Defense
The Benoni Defense starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5. It ranks #100 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
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. d5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | d5 50% | e3 19% | dxc5 12% |
| 1400–1599 | d5 60% | e3 14% | Nf3 12% |
| 1600–1799 | d5 64% | e3 12% | Nf3 11% |
| 1800–1999 | d5 66% | Nf3 14% | e3 11% |
| 2000 and up | d5 75% | Nf3 14% | e3 7% |
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