The Benko Gambit is arguably Black's most enterprising answer to 1 d4. From the very start of the game Black fights for the initiative in no uncertain terms, offering a pawn sacrifice for a powerful, slow-burning initiative that often lasts well into the endgame. Such a bold approach can easily unnerve those playing the white pieces and - unsurprisingly - the Benko appeals to ambitious, attacking players of all playing strengths. Yet despite its obviously bold and aggressive nature, the Benko is highly respected amongst the World's elite; two of its greatest supporters are World Champion Veselin Topalov and Alexander Khalifman, both of whom have utilized the opening to score crucial victories throughout their chess playing careers. In "Play the Benko Gambit", Andrew Martin produces an all-encompassing and yet practical repertoire for Black, offering a solution against all of White's important options, whether they are in the critical main lines or the tricky side variations. Drawing upon his abundant experience, Martin highlights both the positional and tactical ideas for White and Black. It provides explanation of a dynamic opening. All of White's main tries are covered.
It features the popular Anti-Benko with 2 Nf3.
- ISBN13 9781857445268
- Publish Date 1 August 2007
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Out of Print 15 February 2007
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Everyman Chess
- Edition First ed.
- Format Paperback
- Pages 192
- Language English