The Benko Gambit

Publisher: Quality Chess, 2005, Pages: 124, Paperback

The Benko Gambit is one of the most dynamic defences for Black against 1.d4 and is favoured by world class players such as Veselin Topalov and Alexander Khalifman both of whom have used this defence to score memorable victories. The dynamic counter play Black receives in return for the sacrificed queenside pawns gives Black compensation, often lasting all the way into the endgame.

In this entertaining and instructive book renowned theoretician Jan Pinski clearly identifies the critical lines every player needs too know in order to play this opening, and clearly explains the core ideas in the opening.

Besides being completely up-to-date and thoroughly researched, the book also contains a large amount of new analysis, including the currently popular Epishin Variation.

Though still in his 20s IM Jan Pinski is already a renowned author and opening expert. In this book he combines his usual high level of theoretical insight with a wonderful introduction on the typical decisions every player faces in this opening.