The Modernized Modern Benoni

We all develop during childhood. Our expectations, dreams, fears, positive and negative character traits, love and attachment to things that have become important. Since childhood, most of us also love chess.

There was a spark in our eyes to fight again and again, to play as long as possible, to get stronger and win. We came to the chess clubs, the coach taught us the basics and then gave us more complex materials as our level of play improved. We studied the games of the masters of the past and wanted to carry out no less beautiful combinations, attacks, sacrifices, go for all.

There were moments when we understood which positions we felt most comfortable in, what suited us in a strategic game, and some of us became haunted by the tactical lines of struggle. Most dynamic lovers try to take the initiative as soon as possible and launch an attack. As blacks, they don't want to settle for a draw. Usually, such players began their path to the top of mastery with the King's Indian Defense, a unique opening rich in history, like a phoenix, reborn countless times from its ashes.

In time, my attention turned to the modern Benoni. In this opening, the bishop on g7 is the same icon that is the base of the King's Indian, but here he can operate across the diagonal a1-h8 instead of being blocked by his own pawn on e5, as is usually the case in the King's Indian. Black's plan is shockingly simple: with pawns on d6 and c5, and sometimes on b4, he creates a breakdown that makes room for his favorite on g7.

My expectations from the opening were bolstered by two games of the greatest chess romantic of all time, Mikhail Tal. I think these games will help you, dear reader, to be imbued with love for this extraordinary openness.