Dutch: 2.Bg5 h6

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an aggressive reply to 1.d4, where Black immediately fights for control of the e4-square. By playing the Hopton Attack with 2.Bg5, White looks to disrupt Black's setup early, creating immediate tactical problems and potentially forcing awkward pawn moves that weaken the kingside.

1. d4White · your move

Push your queen's pawn to d4. This move claims central space, opens lines for your queen and bishop, and immediately sets the tone for a strategic battle. It is the most common way to start a closed game.

1... f5Black

Black replies f5, the Dutch Defense. It is a provocative move that fights for the center from the flank. At this stage, Black could have chosen the solid e6 (Horwitz), the flexible d5, or even the sharp Englund Gambit with e5.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. Bg5White · your move

Develop your bishop to g5. This move, the Hopton Attack, creates an immediate nuisance by pinning the e-pawn and making it difficult for Black to develop their kingside naturally. You are daring Black to find a way to kick this piece away.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Dutch Defense: Alapin Variation) · h3 (Dutch Defense: Korchnoi Attack) · g4 (Dutch Defense: Krejcik Gambit) · Nc3 (Dutch Defense: Raphael Variation)

2... h6Black

Black plays h6, immediately questioning the bishop's position. This is a common reaction, though players also frequently choose g6 or Nf6 to continue development. By playing h6, you're forcing White to commit their bishop to a retreat or a trade on f6.

Other paths here: c6 (Dutch: 2.Bg5 c6) · d5 (Dutch: 2.Bg5 d5) · g6 (Dutch: 2.Bg5 g6) · Nf6 (Dutch: 2.Bg5 Nf6)

Where you stand

White must now decide between retreating the bishop to h4 or taking on f6. If White retreats to h4, Black often continues with g5, leading to highly sharp and double-edged positions. Both sides must be extremely careful with their king safety as the kingside pawns have already advanced significantly.

• g5-h4 Retreat the bishop to maintain the pin
• g7-g5 Continue harrassing the bishop and gaining space
• h4-g3 Relocate the bishop to a safer diagonal
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to stabilize the kingside