An Intro to the f3 Benko Gambit

Here is a look at the main line of the f3 Benko Gambit which features f3 on move 5 in the Half-Accepted Benko Gambit. This variation comes from the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. f3! and can be quite crushing if black doesn't know what they are doing.  I sadly know this from experience!

In this line white passes on taking the pawn on a6 & delays development in order to create a very imposing pawn chain in the center. Due to this play takes a much different turn than in a typical Benko with e6 being a necessary break to undermine white's strong pawn chain which restricts the fun black usually has with active piece play.

Let's learn this line and the main ideas for both sides in this opening by going through it with me.  And if anyone has extra insights in this line I'd be most grateful.  Thanks!

-Stacia

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