Playing nice is, as usual, nowhere near Benjamin's agenda. He's lost his touch, but it's slowly coming back to him, and he is playing as well as he knows how to, without any regard for what might be nice, or not. His play is pragmatic, and he is planning as far ahead as he can - in the game. He is also surprisingly enjoying himself - or not so surprisingly, as he did get the board for John.
For some reason, it's easier to play here, on this one, than on the one in his own home.