Benko Gambit Declined: Sosonko Variation

Introduction

The Benko Gambit is one of the most dynamic openings in chess, offering Black long-term positional compensation in exchange for an early pawn sacrifice. However, White is not obligated to accept the gambit, and one of the most interesting ways to decline it is the Sosonko Variation. This variation is named after the Dutch Grandmaster Gennadi Sosonko, who explored ways for White to return the pawn under favorable circumstances while retaining a solid and flexible position.

In this article, we will delve into the history and origins of the Sosonko Variation, examine various ways it can be played, explore notable grandmasters who have used it, analyze grandmasters’ perspectives on this variation, and review famous games where it played a crucial role.

History and Origins

The Benko Gambit (also called the Volga Gambit) arises after the moves:

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

White is presented with the opportunity to capture on b5, but in the Sosonko Variation, White declines the gambit in a specific way, often aiming for positional stability rather than accepting the pawn and entering Black’s traditional counterplay.

The Sosonko Variation is characterized by:

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 c5
3. d5 b5
4. Nf3 d6
5. Bg5

Here, White immediately develops the bishop to g5 instead of capturing or reinforcing the center, aiming to restrict Black’s development. This move discourages Black from playing an early …g6 and can limit the scope of Black’s usual counterplay.

Main Variations and Strategic Ideas

The Sosonko Variation avoids the main lines of the Benko Gambit and offers White flexibility while keeping the position under control. The key ideas behind this system are:

1. Early Bishop Development to g5

• The move 5. Bg5 is designed to prevent Black from easily executing …g6 and …Bg7, which are standard in the Benko Gambit.
• White aims to exchange the knight on f6 or force Black to weaken their kingside with …h6.
• If Black plays …Nbd7 to support the knight, White can gain time with e4, solidifying the center.

2. Solid Central Control

• White does not rush to capture on b5 or reinforce d5 with c4-c3, as in other declined variations.
• Instead, White prepares to play e4 to establish a strong pawn center and restrict Black’s usual queenside counterplay.
• Black, on the other hand, must decide whether to develop passively or seek an alternative way to generate counterplay.

3. Development Plans for White

• White can opt for an early e4, reinforcing the center and preparing kingside expansion.
• A common setup involves Nc3, e4, Be2, and 0-0, followed by an eventual dxe6 if Black plays …e6.
• White may also delay kingside castling in favor of h3 and g4 to restrict Black’s knights.

4. Black’s Counterplay Options

• Black can try to challenge White’s center with an early …e6, leading to sharp play.
• The typical …g6 fianchetto setup is discouraged by White’s Bg5, but Black can attempt to reroute pieces for counterplay.
• Black may seek immediate play on the queenside with …a6, …Rb8, and …b4, aiming for rapid piece activity.

Grandmasters Who Have Used the Sosonko Variation

Several strong grandmasters have played the Sosonko Variation as a way to neutralize the Benko Gambit while retaining a flexible game structure:

• Gennadi Sosonko – The namesake of this variation, he introduced and developed ideas to make this system playable at the highest levels.
• Boris Spassky – The former World Champion used various Benko Declined setups, including the Sosonko Variation, to frustrate counterattacking players.
• Viktor Korchnoi – A master of prophylactic play, Korchnoi occasionally employed this variation to outmaneuver aggressive opponents.
• Mikhail Tal – Although known for his tactical brilliance, Tal used the Sosonko Variation to dictate strategic battles against dynamic opponents.
• Magnus Carlsen – Has played similar Benko Gambit Declined structures, prioritizing flexibility and avoiding well-prepared mainline theory.

Grandmasters’ Opinions on the Sosonko Variation

• Garry Kasparov: “While the Benko Gambit offers long-term compensation, the Sosonko Variation challenges the very foundation of Black’s strategy, forcing them to improvise early.”
• Magnus Carlsen: “I like the flexibility of declining gambits in a way that leaves my opponent in unfamiliar territory. The Sosonko Variation is an excellent example of this approach.”
• Viktor Korchnoi: “By not taking the bait in the Benko Gambit, White forces Black to prove they have counterplay without the usual pawn deficit.”
• Gennadi Sosonko: “This variation allows White to dictate the pace of the game, preventing Black’s thematic queenside activity.”

Famous Games Featuring the Sosonko Variation

1. Gennadi Sosonko vs. Jan Timman, 1980

• Sosonko demonstrated the strength of Bg5 in restricting Black’s typical counterplay.
• After 5…h6 6. Bxf6 Qxf6, White gained easy control over the center and slowly expanded.
• Timman struggled to generate counterplay, and White won with steady positional play.

2. Boris Spassky vs. Ulf Andersson, 1978

• Spassky played 5. Bg5 against the Swedish positional master.
• Black attempted an early …e6 break, but White countered effectively and maintained an advantage.
• Spassky’s patience paid off as he transitioned into a winning endgame.

3. Viktor Korchnoi vs. Lev Polugaevsky, 1982

• Korchnoi used the Sosonko Variation to neutralize Polugaevsky’s aggressive Benko intentions.
• White played for central control with e4 and later launched a kingside attack.
• Korchnoi converted his positional advantage into a decisive endgame win.

Conclusion

The Benko Gambit Declined: Sosonko Variation is an excellent choice for White players who want to neutralize Black’s traditional counterplay while maintaining a flexible and strategic approach. It avoids the heavily analyzed main lines of the Benko Gambit while still allowing White to dictate the course of the game.

This variation is particularly effective against Benko specialists who rely on active piece play and dynamic compensation. By forcing Black into unfamiliar setups, White can steer the game toward positional maneuvering rather than allowing Black the initiative.

For players looking to expand their repertoire against the Benko Gambit while avoiding the sharp theoretical battles, the Sosonko Variation is a strong alternative. With careful planning and a solid understanding of pawn structures, White can achieve a stable yet ambitious position from the opening, leading to complex and rich middlegame play.