"A Complete Repertoire for Black"
In modern chess, activity has become one of the most prized ressources of all. Engines have taught us again and again that active piece play, the initiative and dynamic pressure can more than compensate for small material or structural concessions. The Benko Gambit fits this philosophy perfectly. By giving up a pawn early, Black immediately gets exactly what the modern player is looking for: open lines, harmonious development and relentless, long-term pressure on White's queenside. It's a genuine fighting opening, ideal for players who don't want to drift into the quiet, slow-maneuvering waters that 1.d4 so often leads to, but instead prefer to seize the initiative and steer the game into sharp, dynamic and double-edged territory.
In this course, GM Sipke Ernst (a long-time Benko player himself) presents a complete, up-to-date repertoire built around a fresh interpretation of the opening. Instead of the traditional 5...g6, the modern main line runs 5.bxa6 e6, giving Black compensation of a completely different, more positional character.tackles every important try, from White's critical 5.e3 setups to the anti-Benko move orders with 2.Nf3, and doesn't shy away from the sharpest, most theoretical battles - while always keeping the focus on the ideas, plans and recurring structures that make these positions so pleasant to play.
The result is a practical, ambitious and confidence-building repertoire you can rely on in your own tournaments. Whether you're a lifelong Benko player or looking for a dynamic new answer to 1.d4, this course gives you everything you need to play the gambit with confidence.
• With interactive exercises
• Drill this opening repertoire
• Play-out key positions against Fritz
Train smarter!
- Copy & Save all variations
- Watch video with an engine on multiple devices
- Training features included
The product contains an activation key for:
ChessBase training App (Download and installation for Windows and Mac)
ChessBase-Books (Online version for web browsers)
Video stream for iPad, tablet, PC etc. in the ChessBase video portal
Video running time 3 hours (English)
GM Sipke Ernst is a Grandmaster and FIDE Trainer who has been a member of the Dutch National Team. His peak Elo is 2606.
System Requirements:
App for Windows: Windows- PC, Windows 10 or 11 and Internet
App for Mac: Mac OS X and internet
ChessBase books: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
ChessBase video stream: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
