The Modern Benoni is just about the most aggressive method that Black can choose to counter White’s 1 d4. In the main line variations Black allows White to have a preponderance of central pawns which, traditionally, grants the first player the advantage. However, in return, Black gains the opportunity for tremendously dynamic counterplay. This places White and under immediate pressure as any inaccurate moves can prove to be disastrous.

John Doknjas is a FIDE Master, who has finished first in the Under 18 2017 Canadian Youth Chess Championships. He has won several strong tournaments in British Columbia, Canada, including the Grand Pacific Open. John is a chess teacher with over five years of experience, and has annotated games for distinguished national chess publications. He is co-author of the highly respected Opening Repertoire: the Najdorf Sicilian.