The Reversed Alekhine Variation of Benko's Opening arises after 1.g3 e5 2.Nf3. ECO code: A00.

Overview

After 1.g3, Black occupies the centre with 1...e5, and White's 2.Nf3 attacks the e5-pawn, creating a position that mirrors certain themes from Alekhine\'s Defence with colours reversed. White has an extra tempo compared to a standard Alekhine structure, which provides a modest but meaningful advantage.

Main Lines

Play typically continues 2...e4 (advancing the pawn as in Alekhine's Defence) 3.Nd4, or Black may choose the more restrained 2...Nc6 or 2...d6. The position can also transpose into the Réti Opening or King's Indian Attack depending on subsequent moves. White's plan involves Bg2, 0-0, d3, and undermining Black's centre.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White employs a hypermodern strategy, allowing Black to occupy the centre and then targeting the overextended pawns. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 is central to this plan, exerting pressure along the h1–a8 diagonal. Black must decide whether to maintain the centre with ...d6 and ...f5 or advance aggressively with ...e4, gaining space at the cost of potential overextension.