1.Nf3
d5
2.c4
d4
By advancing, black actually surrenders control of two center squares, d5 and e4. This gives white a chance to sieze control of the a8-h1 diagonal with a bishop at g2 - and to play one of my favorite openings, the Benko Gambit.
3.g3
White immediately makes way for his bishop at g2, concentrating on the weak light squares in the center. If you aren't ready to play the gambit positions that follow, try the safer 3. e3. [ 3.e3
Black has to defend the d-pawn or trade it off. Trading gives white a central advantage. 3...c5
Black protects with the pawn. ( 3...Nc6
4.exd4
Nxd4
5.Nxd4
Qxd4
6.Nc3
e5
7.d3
c6
8.Be3
Qd6
9.d4
exd4
10.Qxd4
Qxd4
11.Bxd4
Material is even and the center has been liquidated. The position is equal.) 4.exd4
This trade leads to Benoni Reversed positions - a dynamic opening filled with land mines. Check out material on the Benoni for black before entering this dangerous territory. ( 4.b4!?
White still has the opportunity for sharp, gambit-style play. This is a Blumenfeld Gambit Reversed - even sharper than the Benko. 4...g6
With the d-pawn hanging, black is not tempted by ...cxb4. Instead he hurries to develop the f8-bishop to the long diagonal. 5.Bb2
White is quick to oppose him. 5...Bg7
Logical. 6.bxc5
White doesn't intend to win this pawn - just to undercut black's center. 6...e5
Reinforcing the dangling d4. 7.exd4
exd4
8.d3
Headed for more Benoni-like positions after the c5-pawn falls. 8...Na6
Headed for c5. 9.Nbd2
Nxc5
10.Nb3
Ne6
Both sides have strengths and weaknesses. They will finish their development and continue with an even game.) 4...cxd4
5.d3
Nc6
6.g3
e5
7.Bg2
Nf6
This is a reverse Benoni formation with an extra move in hand. Black has more space, but the half-open e-file can be very useful to white. This leads to dynamic play for both sides.]
3...c5
Reinforcing d4 and preparing ...Nc6. The disadvantage of this move is that it weakens the light squares even more since the c-pawn has already cashed its option on c6.
4.b4!?
Part of a long term positional plan. White wants to trade his a- and b-pawns for black's b-pawn, lining his rooks up on the newly created half-open files to combine with the g2-bishop against black's queenside.
4...cxb4
The natural (and best) response.
5.a3
Making the pawn offer official - now white has no hope of regaining his investment.
5...bxa3
Goodnight, Sweet Pawn....
6.Bxa3
Now white has two half-open files and three pieces out to black's one. Notice the added plus that white's a1-rook is fully developed without moving from its home square. White is a move ahead of normal Benko positions with black.
6...Nc6
Developing a piece and preparing ...e5.
7.Bg2
Now the bishop exerts maximum pressure on the long diagonal.
7...e5!?
Increasing his control of the center, but giving up the right to castle. White has a clear lead in development.
8.Bxf8
Kxf8
The king can still wend its way to safety, but it will take time.
9.d3
Stabilizing the center and preventing ...e4.
9...g6
Opening an escape route for the king.
10.0-0
White patiently continues his development.
10...Kg7
Black does the same.
11.Nbd2
Black's extra pawn is less important than white's lead in development.
11...Nf6
Developing a piece and letting the h8-rook out.
12.Qa4
Connecting the white rooks and pressuring a7 and c6.
12...Re8
Black is getting his pieces out now - this completes "castling by hand."
13.Rfb1
White is down a pawn, but what a pretty picture on the queenside. Black has to be very careful not to cave in over there. Invest some time in studying Benko Gambit positions with black before playing this, but it's worth the time.