Benoni Defense: Franco-Sicilian Hybrid
ECO A40
Move order
1. d4 e6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 exd5 4. cxd5 d6 5. Nc3 g6 6. e4 Bg7 7. Nf3 Ne7
Ideas
ECO A covers irregular and flank openings—systems that skip the main e4/d4 fight early. White builds a pawn center and keeps the position more closed than after 1. e4. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.