Benoni solid?

Hello,

I'm rated 1600 USCF and have just started to learn some basic openings. I enjoy tactical positions so when it came to select a defense to d4, I thought about the benoni. It seems rather frowned upon, but only because of the move f4. Would it be solid and sound if I used it only against 3. Nf3 and used the nimzo against 3. Nc3?

Gashimov doesn't mind playing the Benoni against the elite, so I would take that as a yes to your question.

But solid is not the same as sound. Many openings played at the highest level are far from solid :-p

 Yes, the Taimanov variation is feared by Benoni players. Using it against 3.Nf3 should be safe, and besides the Nimzo you can always use the good old QGD against 3.Nc3.

Hmm, I hadn't paid attention to that, I agree with you but looking back the first post, his question might be about the soundness of the opening, like "is this really a bad opening?" If that wasn't his intention then you can ignore me all you want.

Ah yes you're right. He was asking two things. Sound and solid. Well atleast it's sound enough as you pointed out. Solid I don't know about.

The Nimzo/Benoni combo is very common, right up to the highest levels.  So, yes.

The modern Benoni used to be my favorite defense to 1 d4 for several years but as my rating grew and I started facing masters more and more the benoni was losing too many games and often in 30 moves or less ! I quit playing it against any move order other than 3 Nf3  ( when white is avoiding the nimzo ) AND only play it against sub 2200 players. Like this I still score well with it but the 7 Bf4 lines are very tough on one's nerves !  I prefer the slav now and still venture the KID from time to time......

Thanks for all your advice!