Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 c6

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to the Queen's Pawn Opening. By playing f5, Black immediately fights for control of the e4-square and creates a lopsided board. In this variation, White uses a kingside fianchetto to neutralize Black's space, while Black prepares a solid wall of pawns known as the Stonewall structure.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This central strike claims space and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the most solid way to start the game, inviting Black to either mirror you or challenge the center immediately.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, signaling the Dutch Defense. This aggressive move prevents White from easily playing e4 but creates a slight weakness around the black king. While f5 is the main choice, Black could also try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. You are building a powerful pawn duo in the center that cramps Black's position. This also prepares to develop your knight to c3 and increases your influence over the d5-square, making it harder for Black to strike back.

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. It guards the center and prepares for future kingside activity. Black could also play e6 immediately to enter Classical lines or g6 to head toward the Leningrad variation, but Nf6 is the most common path.

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

3. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to g2. This is the most effective way to combat the Dutch, as the bishop will exert pressure along the long diagonal and provide a very safe home for your king after castling.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6) · Nc3 (Dutch Defense: Queen's Knight Variation)

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, a solid move that prepares further development. This move is a prerequisite for the Stonewall and Classical systems. If Black wanted a more dynamic, risky game, they might have chosen the Leningrad system with g6 or the more passive d6.

Other paths here: g6 (Dutch Defense: Leningrad Variation) · d6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 d6)

4. Bg2White · your move

Develop your bishop to g2. This is the centerpiece of your strategy. Your bishop now controls the long diagonal, putting pressure on d5 and supporting your kingside. You are now ready to castle and complete your initial development safely.

Other paths here: Nc3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Nc3) · Nf3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Nf3)

4... c6Black

Black plays c6, reinforcing the center and preparing a very solid defensive wall. This is a common alternative to the Nimzo-Dutch with Bb4+ or the Classical Be7. Black is now ready to place a pawn on d5, creating a rock-solid central formation.

Other paths here: Bb4+ (Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation) · d5 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 d5) · Be7 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position is now a battle of structures. White will likely castle and look to expand on the queenside or strike with e4. Black has a very solid 'Stonewall' setup and will focus on controlling the e4-square, eventually looking for a kingside attack using the f-pawn as a spearhead. Both sides have clear, long-term plans in this complex strategic struggle.

• g1-h3 Maneuver the knight to f4 via h3
• e1-g1 Secure the king by castling kingside
• d7-d5 Complete the Stonewall pawn wall
• f8-e7 Develop the bishop and prepare castling
• b1-d2 Develop the knight to support e4