Tree path 5 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Indian Defense › Normal Variation › Benoni Defense › Classical Variation
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- Indian Defense A45
- Normal Variation A50
- Benoni Defense A61
- Classical Variation A70 you are here
Benoni Defense: Classical Variation
Overview
Benoni Defense: Classical Variation is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A70), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.
Play reaches this position via 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4, after 13 plies of opening development.
The line refines Benoni Defense, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.
The line splits into 3 documented sub-systems: Averbakh-Grivas Attack, New York Variation, Traditional Variation.
In total, the branch covers 5 sub-variations across all depths.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- A70
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 13
- Parent
- Benoni Defense
- Direct variations
- 3
- Total in subtree
- 5
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
483,610 games · White 46.0% / Draw 5.3% / Black 48.7%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | 416,104 | |
| a6 | 33,851 | |
| Bg4 | 28,523 | |
| Nbd7 | 4,099 | |
| Qe7 | 423 | |
| Qa5 | 127 | |
| Nfd7 | 88 | |
| h6 | 63 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:46:21
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