1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.Nf3 Bg7 8.Be2 0-0 9.0-0 Re8 10.Nd2 Na6 opens the Modern Benoni: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... Na6, ECO A79. Lichess records 10,889 games in this line, which gives us a reliable view of how it actually performs in practice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Modern Benoni: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 10.Nd2. On the White side, Jan Hein Donner (8 games), Svetozar Gligoric (8 games), Witold Balcerowski (6 games) top the database. Notable Black exponents: Milan Matulovic (9 games), Dragoljub Janosevic (9 games), Andrzej Filipowicz (8 games).
Move Diversity and Theory Depth
Move choice is far from uniform in the Modern Benoni: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... Na6. At 1200 Elo, the top reply is f3, played 66.7% of the time. There are 2 other moves seeing meaningful share, and 100% of games stick to established theory. Entropy: 0.92. By 2500, f3 dominates at 39.6% of replies; only 5 viable alternatives remain and 78.1% of moves are theory. Entropy drops to 2.40. Even elite players don't fully agree on the best continuation here, which keeps the position dynamic.
Common Mistakes
- Playing outside main lines — At 400 Elo, only 0% of moves follow established theory — at 2000 that climbs to 54.3%. Most of the gap is players who pick a reasonable-looking move over the best one, and the position quietly drifts.
- Neglecting development — Extra pawn moves in the opening are tempting, especially when you "know the moves". Developing a piece each turn is the simple correction.
- Letting White own the centre — Hypermodern openings concede central space on purpose, but only if you strike back in time. Delay the counter-blow and you end up squeezed.
Practice on Chessiverse
Ready to try the Modern Benoni: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... Na6 against a bot? Pick an opponent at your level and play a game.
