[Event "?"] [Site "masterchessopen.com"] [Date "2017.03.21"] [Round "0"] [White "Modern Benoni"] [Black "?"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A65"] [Opening "Benoni: 6.e4"] 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 Qe7 { It is understandable that John Watson recommends this line, because it avoids a whole chunk of book moves. The only snag is that it hasn't been played much, which makes it difficult to assess. } 8.Nf3 Bg4 ( { It might seem that the queen on e7 is there for the e-pawn to be taken, but } 8...Nxe4 { fails to } ) ( { while after } 8...Nbd7 9.e5 { White is more than happy to give away a pawn to highlight the potential problems of the strangely placed queen; for example: } 9...dxe5 10.fxe5 ( 10.Nb5 { is also strong, with similar threats to the main game } ) 10...Nxe5 11.Bb5+ Ned7+ 12.Kf2 { (threatening Re1) } 12...Ng4+ 13.Kg3 { with a big advantage. } ) 9.Be2 ( { The main move considered by Watson is } 9.h3 { , though he does mention the text in his notes. } ) 9...Nbd7 10.e5 { This is the big new move that swings the game in White's favour. } ( { The only moves Watson mentions are } 10.h3 ) ( { and } 10.O-O { , but tellingly it is home analysis and not based on actual games. Once again, I hasten to add that mistakes will creep into any book, because in 208 pages a sideline is not given as much attention. Still, it does mean it's an opportunity for an easy victory for anyone who knows this new continuation. } ) ( { This winning move has already been missed in the past, because } 10.Nd2 { is the impulsive reaction, when play might continue } 10...Bxe2 11.Qxe2 Bg7 12.O-O O-O { and then: } 13.-- ( 13.a4 Rfe8 14.Re1 ( 14.f5 { is worth investigating } ) ) ( 13.Re1 Ne8 14.Nf3 a6 15.e5 { with the better chances, W.Cotrina Moscoso-D.Fernandez, Callao 2007. } ) ) {#r} 1-0