In the future, if anybody asks me what a really good repertoire book should look like, I will point them to THE GAMBIT GUIDE TO THE MODERN BENONI. Noted author and theoretician John Watson provides his usual thorough analysis and insight, but he goes beyond even the normal call of duty here. This book redefines much theory of the Modern Benoni, and that makes it an extraordinary book.

In the book's forward, Watson notes that, inspired by the play of Mikhail Tal, the Modern Benoni was his first defense. This may have motivated Watson to put so much time and effort into rehabilitating some of the lines that are considered critical for black's survival. Time will tell whether these attempts hold up in praxis, but there can be no denying the serious effort that this book represents.

There are various approaches to writing opening books, and some work better than others in dealing with certain openings or variations. Sometimes structure dominates, and a prose-filled explanation of ideas and themes can be most useful. In other cases, deep theoretical coverage is necessitated by the tactical nature of the play or the fact that the opening has been popular at the highest levels. Watson has often stated his preference for the latter type of work, and for the Modern Benoni, the book's exhaustive analysis appears to be the more appropriate method.

There is another important split – between books that mostly synthesize existing theory and those that seek to augment it. While most readers probably prefer the latter, there is nothing wrong with the former approach if done right. As long as an author takes care to critically examine the lines, note any disagreement with evaluations, and provide some guidance as to why a particular position is evaluated the way it is, the "present the existing theory" method can produce some very fine books. Unfortunately, in this age of mega databases, it is very easy to write a book with very little original effort and with the errors of others carried forward as "established theory."

In this book, Watson demonstrates the value of a judicious combination of both methods.  First, there is a great deal of original analysis – probably as much as in any recent book I've seen. In some cases, this translates into some revolutionary ways at looking at a particular line.  In other places, it is the more workmanlike move tweaking that any strong player must do to maintain a high-class repertoire. Combined, there are enough new ideas and analysis to confound the typically booked up player (as long as they do not own this book). In other instances, Watson takes existing theory and provides useful guidance.  Throughout, there are abundant game fragments, and the author is willing to comment when he feels that positions have been evaluated incorrectly. In my opinion, that questioning attitude is one of the book's strengths.

While the "full coverage" approach to an opening is preferred, Watson sidesteps many of the general problems that arise with this more limiting repertoire approach. As with his earlier excellent repertoire books on the French, Watson generally provides two (or more) methods for playing the key variations. This reduces concerns that an author's choices might not fit with a player's stylistic (or other) preferences. It also provides an alternate method if theory busts a recommended line. Still, there are occasions where (even in this excellent book) I was disappointed that a line that interests me was not covered.

In return, the author can spend more space on the lines he recommends.  This is a practical trade-off that Watson appreciates more than some authors. There are occasions where he chooses one of two playable alternatives because it does not require learning (and presenting!) as much theory. Many practical players have adopted this "theory saving" technique, and in the long run it will serve most players well.

It's not surprising that the largest chapters are devoted to pawn storm systems (including the Taimanov 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Bb5+) and the modern main line (6.Nf3 g6 where white intends to play a further combination of h3 and Bd3). Watson concludes that these are the most serious challenges to the variation, and they are, at the moment, white's most oft-played methods. However, there are plenty of interesting white choices against the Modern Benoni, and Watson provides good coverage throughout. Indeed, he suggests that many of the lesser-played alternatives create their own problems, and he is happy to wade into these even when other books don't mention them.

The Modern Benoni is an unbalancing, fighting defense that has appealed to no-holds-barred players. Besides Tal, world champions Fischer, Spassky, and Kasparov have been willing to make it a part of their repertoire. Other world-class practitioners have included Topalov, Nunn, Ljubojevic, Psakhis, and Nunn. Despite plenty of top-level outings, this defense, much like the Alekhine's Defense, perhaps doesn't get the respect it deserves.  As a result, it is likely that white players will not have devoted the same amount of study time to the Benoni as, for example, the King's Indian Defense.

I must admit to sharing a soft spot in my heart for the Modern Benoni. I too played it as a younger player – in fact, my first major upset victory to win an adult tournament was as a 13-year old playing the black side of this defense. Over the years, I too had given it up in the face of the Taimanov variation. Now, however, I think the defense deserves another look.

Perhaps my only reservation about the book is its repertoire format. As much as I understand and respect the practical nature of a repertoire book, it still involves trade-offs that cannot be dismissed. A player who already plays the Benoni is likely to find at least a few variations where favored lines are not covered at all. While there is nothing wrong with the lines covered (in fact, the author has been very conscientious about making the theory work in the lines presented), I was at least disappointed on finding that a couple of favored lines did not make the book. This is, no doubt, an intrinsic shortcoming of the repertoire book genre; perhaps there cannot be a "perfect" repertoire book.

In conclusion, this is an outstanding book about a very interesting fighting defense.  John Watson has greatly updated and re-evaluated the theory of the Modern Benoni. Any player interested in learning (or refreshing their knowledge of) a sharp, combative defense should consider this book.

Click to see SILMAN'S REVIEW of this book.