Dutch: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Nf3

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to the Queen's Pawn Opening. Black immediately stakes a claim to the e4-square, aiming for a kingside attack. White responds with a solid fianchetto system, preparing to control the center and neutralize Black's aggression with long-range piece pressure.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move occupies the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the most solid way to start the game, establishing a firm presence in the middle of the board while preparing your subsequent development.

1... f5Black

Black replies f5, entering the Dutch Defense. This move is more aggressive than the standard e6 or d5 responses. While it gains space, it also slightly weakens the kingside. White must now choose between the main lines or sharp alternatives like the Staunton Gambit with e4.

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

2. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. This prepares to fianchetto your bishop to g2, which is the most effective way to combat the Dutch. From g2, your bishop will exert pressure along the long diagonal and provide vital protection for your king after you castle.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Dutch Defense: Alapin Variation) · Bg5 (Dutch Defense: Hopton Attack) · h3 (Dutch Defense: Korchnoi Attack) · g4 (Dutch Defense: Krejcik Gambit)

2... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, the most natural developing move in this structure. It reinforces the control over e4 and prepares for further development. Black could also consider the Leningrad variation with g6 or the more restrained e6, but the knight move is the most common choice here.

Other paths here: e6 (Dutch: 2.g3 e6) · g6 (Dutch Leningrad) · c6 (Dutch Defense: Leningrad, Basman System)

3. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move further strengthens your control over the e5 and d4 squares while preparing for kingside castling. By developing your knight before the bishop, you maintain maximum flexibility in how you choose to arrange your central pawns and pieces.

Other paths here: Bg2 (Dutch: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2)

Where you stand

The game has reached a standard Dutch setup where both sides have clear objectives. White will focus on finishing development with Bg2 and castling, followed by central expansion. Black will likely play e6 or d6, aiming to organize a kingside attack or a central break with e5. The battle will revolve around the control of the e4 and e5 squares.

• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the long diagonal
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• e7-e6 Prepare to challenge the center with e6
• f8-e7 Develop the bishop and prepare to castle
• c2-c4 Expand in the center and gain space