June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is the Benko Gambit?

Learn how to use the Benko Gambit to level up your game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Benko Gambit: 3 quick facts

- The Benko Gambit is named after Hungarian-American chess player [Pal Benko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pal_Benko?ref=blog.duolingo.com) and is also known as the Volga Gambit. It’s a popular [gambit](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#gambit) for Black that can arise from the [Benoni Defense](https://blog.duolingo.com/benoni-defense/).
- In this opening, Black [sacrifices](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-points-of-pieces/#sacrifices) a pawn early in exchange for fast [development](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#development) and strong pressure on White’s queenside. Meanwhile, White is frequently forced into a defensive position.
- Although the Benko isn’t a [grandmaster](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/) mainstay, it’s occasionally chosen by world-class players.

## Benko Gambit: the moves

Here are the moves for the Benko Gambit:

💡

1. d4 Nf6

2. c4 c5

3. d5 b5

## Play the long game

The Benko Gambit is a great choice for [positional](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#positional), strategic players who enjoy straightforward openings.

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!