Benoni Defense: Old Benoni: what should White play?

In the Benoni Defense: Old Benoni (ECO A43), reached after over 5.4 million recorded games, White's strongest and most common continuation is d5. Pushing the d-pawn gains space, restricts Black's minor pieces, and scores an engine evaluation of +0.64. White adopts this central thrust in 26.3% of recorded games (1.43 million recorded), cementing a lasting positional clamp.

Strategic benefits of the pawn push

Opting for d5 accepts Black's structural challenge by seizing space deep in the center. An illustrative continuation from the engine runs d5 Nf6 Nc3 d6 e4 e6, establishing a firm central wall that limits the activity of Black's pieces. By retaining the pawn wedge on d5, White dictates the tempo and establishes a comfortable space advantage early in the opening.

Capturing on c5

White can also resolve the tension immediately by playing dxc5, which appears in 15.1% of games (819K recorded) with an evaluation of +0.12. Following the line dxc5 e6 e4 Bxc5 Bd3 Ne7, Black quickly regains the pawn with the dark-squared bishop while developing smoothly. Although fully playable, this capture relieves the pressure on Black's center and yields a far more symmetrical, level game.

Alternative central choices

Quiet continuations allow White to maintain the central tension without pushing forward. The solid e3 is chosen in 11.7% of games (635K recorded) and evaluates at +0.11, typically steering toward open play after e3 d5 c4 e6 cxd5 exd5. Less frequent choices include c3 (+0.08), the open e4 (+0.04) played in 1.8% of games (99K recorded), and Nc3, seen in 1.8% of encounters (95K recorded). While these lines remain sound, none restrict Black as effectively as the primary spatial clamp.