In this continuation of the "Climbing the Rating Ladder" series I take on players of various ratings levels while pointing out typical mistakes and spots for improvement along the way (possibly my own!? :)). Here I commentate a 10+0 game against a player rated 1806 on Chess.com. The Benko Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5) is an attempt by Black to undermine White's center and open the queenside (especially the a+b files) for counterplay. The engine doesn't look kindly on Black's chances in this opening these days, but it remains a line that 1.d4 players ought to be able to meet. My proposal is "take the first pawn but not the second pawn" with 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3, simply reinforcing b5. Capturing on b5 aids White's development, and keeping the tension affords White the opportunity to play Nb1-c3, a2-a4, and Ra1-a3. Black must generate counterplay relatively quickly, because White's queenside bind can be decisive!

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