Benko Gambit

SHAKHRIYAR MAMEDYAROV vs. BENIAMIN GALSTIAN
EU-ch U18, 2002

1. d4, c5
2. d5, Nf6
3. c4, b5

The Benko Gambit.   Originally named Volga Gambit, this opening line was promoted by Pal Benko, a Hungarian-American Grandmaster.

4. Qc2, bxc4
5. e4, e6
6. Nc3, Bb7
7. Bxc4, exd5
8. exd5, d6
9. Nge2, Be7
10. Ng3, 0-0
11. 0-0, g6

Black prevents the g3 Knight from attacking, but in so doing creates a weakness in his king side.

12. Bg5, Nbd7
13. Rae1, Re8
14. f4, h6
15. f5 !! ....

White takes advantage of the weakness in g6 square.  If 15....hxg5, then 16. fxg6 Kg7, 17. gxf7 Kxf7, 18. Qh7+ ... White's attack is decisive.  Now, in this variation, after 17. gxf7 Rf8, 18. Nf5+ ... White threatens Rxe7 and the attack remains decisive.

In the same variation above, if 16....Ne5, then 17. Rxe5 dxe5, 18. gxf7 Kxf7, 19. Qh7+ Kf8, 20. Qh8+ Kf7, 21. d6 mate.

15. .... Kg7
16. fxg6, fxg6
17. Bf4, Ng4
18. h3, Nge5
19. Bxe5, Nxe5
20. Rxe5, dxe5
21. Nh5+, gxh5
22. Rf7+, Resigns

Black's position is hopeless after 22....Kxf7, 23. Qh7+ Kf8, 24. d6! and White threatens mate at f7 or f8.

If after 22....Kxf7, 23. Qh7+ Kf6, 24. Ne4 mate.