The Modern Benko Gambit by Sipke Ernst 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. Free sample video: Introduction Free sample chapter: Alternatives Move 3 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 This is what is delivered: Fritztrainer App for Windows and Mac Available as download or on DVD Video course with a running time of approx. 4-8 hrs. Repertoire database: save and integrate Fritztrainer games into your own repertoire (in WebApp Opening or in ChessBase) Interactive exercises with video feedback: the authors present exercises and key positions, the user has to enter the solution. With video feedback (also on mistakes) and further explanations. Sample games as a ChessBase database. New: many Fritztrainer now also available as stream in the ChessBase video portal! That's what the FritzTrainer App can do for you: Videos can run in the Fritztrainer app or in the ChessBase program with board graphics, notation and a large function bar Analysis engine can be switched on at any time Video pause for manual navigation and analysis in game notation Input of your own variations, engine analysis, with storage in the game Learn variations: view specific lines in the ChessBase WebApp Opening with autoplay, memorize variations and practise transformation (initial position - final position). Active opening training: selected opening positions are transferred to the ChessBase WebApp Fritz-online. In a match against Fritz you test your new knowledge and actively play the new opening. Even more possibilities: Start FritzTrainer in the ChessBase program! The database with all games and analyses can be opened directly. Games can be easily added to the opening reference. Direct evaluation with game reference, games can be replayed on the analysis board Your own variations are saved and can be added to the own repertoire Replay training LiveBook active All engines installed in ChessBase can be started for the analysis Assisted Analysis Print notation and diagrams (for worksheets) Sample video Contents The Benko Gambit - a full repertoire against 1.d4 Introduction Chapter 1: Main Lines 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 e6 6.dxe6 6.Nc3 exd5 7.Nxd5 Be7 8.Nxe7 Qxe7 9.e3 0-0 Chapter 2: 5.e3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3 Bb7 6.Nc3 axb5 7.Bxb5 Qa5 8.Nf3, 8.a4 and 8.Bc4 5.e3 and 8.Bd2 5.e3 and 8.Ne2 Chapter 3: Alternatives Move 5 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3 5.b6 5.f3 Chapter 4: Alternatives Move 4 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 4.a4 4.Nd2 4.Qc2 4.Nf3 Chapter 5: Alternatives Move 3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.dxc5 and 3.e3 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3 Chapter 6: 2.Nf3 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.d5 2.Nf3 c5 d5 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 alternatives move 3 2.Nf3 c5 alternatives move 3 Chapter 7: Queens Pawn Openings Trompowsky Richter-Veresov London-System Exercises Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6 Exercise 7 Exercise 8 Exercise 9 Exercise 10 Exercise 11 Exercise 12 Exercise 13 Exercise 14 Exercise 15 Exercise 16 Exercise 17 Exercise 18 Opening Repertoire Practice Trompowsky, Richter-Veresov, London-System Practice 2.Nf3 Practice Alternatives Move 3 Practice Alternatives Move 4 Practice Alternatives Move 5 Practice 5.e3 Practice 5.bxa6 e6 6.Nc3 Practice the Whole Repertoire Mixed Practice Positions Main Line Position 1 Main Line Position 2 Main Line Position 3 Main Line Position 4 Main Line Position 5 Main Line Position 6 Main Line Position 7 Main Line Position 8 5.e3 Position 1 5.e3 Position 2 5.e3 Position 3 5.e3 Position 4 5.Nc3 Position 1 5.Nc3 Position 2 5.b6 5.f3 4.a4 4.Nd2 4.Qc2 4.Nf3 * The above product will be delivered via E- mail*