Benoni Defense: Taimanov Variation

About this variation

White plays f4 and Bb5+, the Flick-Knife Attack, aiming to push e5 before Black is ready. It is one of the most dangerous lines.

The Taimanov Variation, also called the Flick-Knife Attack, is 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8. Bb5+. White builds a big center with e4 and f4, and the check disrupts Black's development. It is considered one of the most dangerous lines against the Modern Benoni.

Black's best reply is 8...Nfd7, keeping the bishop on c8 and preparing ...a6 and ...O-O. The natural 8...Bd7? runs into 9. e5, and 8...Nbd7 allows 9. e5 with strong pressure. After 8...Nfd7 9. a4, White prevents ...b5 and keeps the knight on d7 out of play.

White's plans include e5 to open the center and attack Black's king, Nf3 and O-O to prepare f5, and a4 to stop Black's queenside play. White aims to use the big center and the awkward position of Black's pieces before Black can untangle.

Black's ideas include ...a6 and ...Qh4+ in some lines, ...Na6-b4 to use the hole on b4 created by a4, and ...Re8 to pressure e4. Black must be careful about the e5 break and must coordinate the pieces quickly.

A common mistake for Black is to play natural developing moves without considering e5, which can lead to a quick loss. A common mistake for White is to push e5 too early before the pieces are ready, letting Black win the pawn.

The Taimanov Variation suits White players who like sharp, aggressive play and want a direct way to challenge the Benoni. Black players need to know this line in detail, since it is one of the main reasons some players avoid the Modern Benoni.

One concrete line is 8...Nfd7 9. a4 O-O 10. Nf3 Na6 11. O-O Nb4, when Black's knight reaches a strong square on b4 and Black hopes to use it to support counterplay. White usually continues with Re1 or Kh1, preparing e5 at the right moment.

It is one of the main lines of the Benoni Defense.