Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Nc3

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to 1.d4. Black immediately stakes a claim to the e4-square and prepares a kingside attack, while White seeks to control the center with pawns and develop a powerful fianchettoed bishop on the long diagonal to neutralize Black's aggression.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space, opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, and prevents Black from immediately occupying the center with their own e-pawn.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, the Dutch Defense. It is a provocative choice compared to the standard d5 or Nf6. By avoiding the main lines of the Queen's Gambit or Indian Defenses, Black creates immediate asymmetry.

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

2. c4White · your move

Move your c-pawn to c4. This classic central thrust increases your influence in the middle of the board and prepares to develop your knight to its natural home on c3.

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 flexible move that guards against any early central breakthroughs. Black could also choose d6 or g6, the latter leading toward the sharp Leningrad systems.

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

3. g3White · your move

Push your g-pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to g2, where it will exert long-range pressure across the board and provide a safe shelter for your king.

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

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, opting for a solid structure. If Black wanted a more dynamic, modern setup, they might have played g6 to enter the Leningrad variation, but e6 focuses on central stability.

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

4. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This piece increases your pressure on the d5 and e4 squares, preparing to fight for the center and supporting your future pawn advances.

Other paths here: Bg2 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation) · Nf3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Nf3)

Where you stand

The stage is set for a strategic battle. White will likely continue with Bg2 and Nf3, aiming for central dominance. Black usually looks to castle quickly and then decide between a d5-pawn structure or a more fluid setup using the dark-squared bishop to pressure White's queenside.

• f1-g2 Complete the fianchetto to control the center
• f8-b4 Pin the knight to challenge the center
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and prepare to castle
• e8-g8 Secure the king behind the f5 pawn