Old Benoni defence

The Old Benoni Defence is a chess opening that arises from the following moves:

1. d4 Nf6

2. c4 c5

The Old Benoni is a somewhat unconventional and aggressive response to 1.d4. It's known for its asymmetrical pawn structure and complex strategic ideas.

Reasons to play the Old Benoni Defence:

1. Counter-attacking potential: The Old Benoni is a dynamic opening where Black aims to counter-attack White's center from the very beginning. This can lead to sharp and complex positions.

2. Imbalanced positions: If you enjoy playing in positions with a clear imbalance, the Old Benoni can be a good choice. The asymmetrical pawn structure often leads to unbalanced positions, which can offer winning chances for both sides.

3. Unorthodox approach: The Old Benoni is not as commonly played or studied as some other defences against 1.d4, such as the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian Defence. This may allow you to surprise your opponents and take them out of their comfort zone.

Reasons to avoid the Old Benoni Defence:

1. Risk factor: The Old Benoni is considered a risky opening for Black. White often obtains a space advantage and a strong pawn center, which can be difficult to challenge if not handled properly.

2. Requires deep understanding: To play the Old Benoni successfully, you need a deep understanding of its strategic ideas and tactical resources. It's not an opening that can be easily picked up and played without significant study.

3. White's options: White has several ways to respond to the Old Benoni, some of which can lead to positions that are difficult for Black. For example, the Modern Main Line (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nf3 g6 7.Bf4) is considered challenging for Black.

In conclusion, the Old Benoni Defence can be a good choice if you enjoy sharp, complex positions and are willing to invest time in studying its intricacies. However, if you prefer solid, risk-free positions, or if you're a beginner, to consider other openings.