The Benko Gambit: Move by Move

Book excerpt: This series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study any chess opening and at the same time improve your general chess skills and knowledge. The Benko Gambit is a popular choice for those who like to seize the initiative as Black. For the price of a pawn, Black gets tremendous queenside pressure and puts White on the defensive early in the game. Players are attracted by the fact that Black's plans are so clear cut, while White is often reduced to simply dealing with Black's threats. In this book, Benko expert Junior Tay invites you to join him in studying his favourite opening. He examines the main plans for both sides, provides a repertoire for Black and answers all the key questions.