Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 d5

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to 1.d4 where Black immediately stakes a claim on the e4-square. By playing f5, Black creates a sharp battleground. White's most solid approach involves a kingside fianchetto to neutralize Black's attacking chances and exert long-term pressure on the center.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space, opens lines for your queen and bishop, and dictates the pace of the game from the very first move.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, signaling the Dutch Defense. This is a provocative choice compared to the solid e6 or d5 alternatives. You might also see the Englund Gambit with e5 or the English Defense with b6, but the Dutch is for players seeking a complex fight.

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 classic flank advance challenges Black's control of the center and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It is the most principled way to build a strong central presence.

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 Nf6, the most natural continuation. This knight will be a key defender and attacker. Black could also choose the Classical setup with e6 or the Leningrad style with g6, but Nf6 is the most flexible way to start the development.

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 on g2. This is the most effective way to counter the Dutch, as the bishop will exert powerful pressure along the long diagonal and safeguard your king.

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

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, a solid move that blunts White's future bishop on g2. If Black wanted a more dynamic, risky game, they might have chosen the Leningrad Variation with g6, but e6 focuses on central stability and careful development.

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. From this outpost, your bishop radiates power across the entire h1-a8 diagonal. It defends your king and prepares to challenge Black's central pawns once the game opens up.

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

4... d5Black

Black plays d5, entering the Stonewall Dutch. This is a very solid but somewhat static structure. Black could have also tried the Nimzo-Dutch with Bb4+ or the Classical Be7, but d5 creates a permanent anchor in the center.

Other paths here: Bb4+ (Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation) · c6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 c6) · Be7 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position is now a classic Stonewall Dutch. White will look to exploit the hole on e5 and use the powerful g2-bishop to pressure the queenside. Black has a rock-solid center and will aim for a kingside attack, often involving a rook lift or a well-timed pawn break. Both sides have clear, long-term strategic goals in this complex middlegame.

• g1-h3 Route knight to f4 or d3
• b1-c3 Develop knight to apply central pressure
• f8-d6 Place bishop on its best attacking diagonal
• e8-g8 Secure the king and activate rook
• c1-f4 Develop bishop to challenge the d6 square