A66 · Benoni Defense
Benoni Defense: Mikenas Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8. e5
In the Benoni Defense: Mikenas Variation, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The Benoni Defense: Mikenas Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code A66. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8. e5: 15 moves in, with Black to play.
It belongs to the Benoni Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.
Club players rarely lose the Benoni Defense: Mikenas Variation in the opening itself. They lose it a few moves later, when the plan behind the moves runs out: that is what reading your own games in this line shows you.
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