I have started adopting a new strategy for 1.d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6. The two most popular moves from this position are usually Nc3 or Nf3. For Nf3...the Modern Benoni. Its a very strategic opening that has very specific targets and breaks. Feast or famine...not a choice you see very often...
Modern Benoni lines after Nc3 however include the Tiamonov line that includes f4, which is almost 80/20 advantage white...So to avoid that pitfall if White leaves f4 option open with a move like Nc3, I have moved to using Nimzo-Indian at that point. I find however that the Nimzo-Indian and the Modern Benoni, while complimentary in this scenario, are very different in style. All Benoni games seem to have a similar feel and similar key point. Nimzo-Indian is so fluid with so many different options, I almost cheer when I see Nf3 now. Is there another option that would be more complimentary to the Modern Benoni sharpness?
OK as white I'm a Catalan (d4 Nf6 c4 e6 g3) and as black a KID (d4 Nf6 c4 g6) so I'm no expert.
Looking at my database after d4 Nf6 c4 e6 Nc3 by far and away the most played move is Bb4 leading the NimzoIndian which you have been playing. The second most played move d5 leading the QGD which is far from sharp much of the time. Third is c5 leading to the Benoni with the possibility of f4 which you are looking to avoid. Fourth is b6 which looks to be the Queen's Indian. From what I know (very little) this opening is an attempt to put pressure on the e4 square. It is solid but I don't know if Nc3 being played early changes this. After this we have Be7, g6 and c6 and into even less played moves.
So there aren't a huge number of GM approved choices at this juncture. Maybe you are stuck with playing the Nimzoindian unless one of those other choices tickles your fancy.
Originally posted by KWCoronaIf you would like to 'force' your opponent into a benoni play 2. ...c5 instead of e6 (play e6 a few moves later)
I have started adopting a new strategy for 1.d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6. The two most popular moves from this position are usually Nc3 or Nf3. For Nf3...the Modern Benoni. Its a very strategic opening that has very specific targets and breaks. Feast or famine...not a choice you see very often...
Modern Benoni lines after Nc3 however include the Tiamonov line that inc ...[text shortened]... f3 now. Is there another option that would be more complimentary to the Modern Benoni sharpness?
The e6 is really just a stall tactic. It forces white to commit either knight. If he commits the Kingside knight, then I can avoid the Tiamonov line of the Benoni. Tiamonov line is brutal...black hardly stands a chance. If I played played c5 as my second move, white could put me in that four pawn Tiamonov line that is just smothering. I would rather avoid that opening if I could unless the f-pawn is locked in quickly by the knight. Hence, the need to change depending upon which knight white chooses to commit.
Originally posted by KWCoronaI have to disagree with the statement that black basically doesn't stand a chance. You have to play the ..a6 line, after white plays a4 and then Qh4+!. Depending on where white moved his bishop the move before, you put your queen on either d8 or e7 after white blocks the check with g3. It's really not THAT bad for black. You may have to grovel a little, but I hold up with this move alot. No biggie.
The e6 is really just a stall tactic. It forces white to commit either knight. If he commits the Kingside knight, then I can avoid the Tiamonov line of the Benoni. Tiamonov line is brutal...black hardly stands a chance. If I played played c5 as my second move, white could put me in that four pawn Tiamonov line that is just smothering. I would rather avoid t ...[text shortened]... ly by the knight. Hence, the need to change depending upon which knight white chooses to commit.