Chess opening · ECO A60
Benoni Defense: Modern Variation
The Benoni Defense: Modern Variation starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6. It ranks #141 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.
- 3. d5White advances the d-pawn to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
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. Nc3 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Nc3 100% | – | – |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 69% | dxe6 18% | Bg5 13% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 72% | dxe6 20% | Bg5 6% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 88% | dxe6 11% | Bg5 1% |
| 2000 and up | Nc3 100% | – | – |
Related openings
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 →