Miniatures in the Benko & Blumenfeld Gambits

The Benko and Blumenfeld Gambits have, for decades, been known as ways for Black to fight for the initiative. While the Benko Gambit has its foundation in positional ideas, the Blumenfeld Gambit is more of a traditional gambit: play for a lead in development, a broad center, and ultimately an attack. In this book, FM Carsten Hansen covers one hundred miniature games (games that are decided in 25 moves or fewer) across all variations of the Benko and Blumenfeld Gambits: The material is split up into the following chapters:

• Chapter 1: 4.Nf3
• Chapter 2: 4.Qc2, 4.a4 and other 4th Move Options
• Chapter 3: 4.cxb5 a6 5.Nc3
• Chapter 4: 4.cxb5 a6 5.b6
• Chapter 5: 4.cxb5 axb5 5.f3
• Chapter 6: 4.cxb5 a6 5.e3
• Chapter 7: 4.cxb5 a6 5.bxa6 – 5th and 6th Move Alternatives
• Chapter 8: Accepted – White plays a quick e2-e4
• Chapter 9: Accepted – Fianchetto Lines
• Chapter 10: Blumenfeld Gambit: 5.Bg5 & Minor Lines
• Chapter 11: Blumenfeld Gambit: Accepted
• Chapter 12: The Dzindzi-Indian

Throughout the book, there are hundreds of puzzle positions for both players, where you will be challenged to find the best move or to figure out why a certain move does or does not work. If you play the Benko or Blumenfeld Gambits (or both), this book will help you be better prepared to recognize tactical patterns for both sides.