Semi-Closed · a defense for Black
Benoni Defense: Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit
3/3
1.d4c52.b4
Live databaseLichess 1600–2000 · blitz + rapid
Benoni Defense: Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit1.3k games · Black to move
MoveWhite / draw / BlackPlayedGamesScore
53%68059%
38%48954%
4.7%6049%
0.9%1250%
0.5%786%
0.5%757%
0.4%550%
0.3%40%
0.2%333%
0.2%3100%
- Family
- Benoni Defense
- Category
- Semi-Closed
- First move
- 1.d4
- ECO
- A43
- Line
- 1. d4 c5 2. b4
GambitSharp
★ Read the guide: Benoni DefenseExplore all 61 Benoni Defense lines →Keep exploring
Nearby lines in the family
From the archives
The name comes from Aaron Reinganum's 1825 book 'Ben-Oni' — Hebrew for 'son of sorrow'. Reinganum's own words give the reason: he sat over a chessboard whenever he wanted to take refuge from melancholy. Tal made the Modern Benoni a terror in the 1950s and 60s: give up the centre, then let every piece point at White's queenside like an accusation.
Study this opening