How to Play the Benko Gambit

That under promotion to knight was pretty funny TBH, even though it is not the move recommended by the engine.

But this should have been in Game Analysis.

doesnt the 12.a4 line refute the Benko?

Weakening b3 and b4? And if the knight moves to b5, that's one less defender in the middle/obstructing the long diagonal. @brandonvila_2001

This is exactly how I play this opening.

Me too (except I play a4).

@MrCalderon Carlsen vs. Bologan from Biel Chess Festival 2012 is a good illustration on how to play against the Benko with 12. a4. Yes the b4 square is given to black but how to make immediate use of it? And how does one attack the backward pawn on b3? Plus the rook moves to a2 thus there's no longer an attack on the long diagonal. Almost all of white's pieces will be on light squares (thus he seeks play on the light squares) so what good is the g7-bishop? It attacks air.

I did my best to exchange pieces. I was eventually able to penetrate and he didn't like a queen in his face. Favorable for Black was the ensuing rook endgame.

Please use lichess.org/forum/game-analysis as suggested by #3.