Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to 1.d4. By playing f5, Black immediately fights for control of the e4-square and creates a complex battleground. In this Leningrad-style setup, Black combines the Dutch structure with a kingside fianchetto to exert long-term pressure on the center.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center, opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, and sets the stage for a strategic battle for the middle of the board.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, the signature move of the Dutch Defense. This aggressive choice avoids more common lines like the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian. Other popular replies include e6, leading to the Horwitz, or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5.

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

2. c4White · your move

Move your pawn to c4. This move reinforces your central presence and prepares to develop your knight to c3. You are building a powerful pawn front that restricts Black's options in the center.

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 develops the knight to f6, a standard and flexible move. This prevents White from immediately pushing e4. Black could also have chosen the Classical system with e6 or the Stonewall setup if they preferred a more closed, structural battle.

Other paths here: e6 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation) · d6 (Dutch: 2.c4 d6) · g6 (Dutch: 2.c4 g6)

3. Nc3White · your move

Bring your knight to c3. This move puts immediate pressure on the d5 and e4 squares. You are developing a key piece to its most active square while preparing to further bolster your central control.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6) · g3 (Dutch Defense: Fianchetto Variation)

3... g6Black

Black plays g6, signaling the Leningrad Variation. By preparing to place the bishop on g7, Black creates a very dynamic and modern structure. Alternatives like e6 or d6 would lead to very different, more traditional Dutch pawn structures.

Other paths here: d6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d6) · e6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6)

Where you stand

The position is now a Leningrad Dutch. White will likely continue with g3 and Bg2 to contest the long diagonal, while Black will castle and look for the e5 pawn break. This setup leads to sharp, strategic battles where both sides have clear attacking chances and complex piece coordination is required.

• g1-h3 Maneuver the knight to f4 to pressure d5
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to control the long diagonal
• e7-e5 Prepare the e5 break to challenge the center
• g2-g3 Prepare the kingside fianchetto to oppose the bishop