Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nc3

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to 1.d4 where Black immediately fights for the e4-square. White typically counters with a kingside fianchetto to neutralize Black's attacking potential and control the long diagonal. This variation leads to a strategic battle where both sides fight for central dominance.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. You are setting the stage for a solid positional game where you control the pace of the struggle.

1... f5Black

Black replies f5, entering the Dutch Defense. It is a provocative choice compared to the solid d5 or the Nf6 lines of the Indian Defenses. Other aggressive responses like the Englund Gambit (e5) or the English Defense (b6) also exist to challenge White's setup.

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

2. c4White · your move

Bring your pawn to c4. By attacking the center from the flank, you prepare to develop your knight to c3 and increase your influence over the d5-square. This move is essential for building a powerful 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 plays Nf6, the most flexible and popular developing move. It prevents White from immediately pushing e4. Black could also choose the Leningrad setup with g6 or the Classical path with e6, but Nf6 is the most common bridge to both.

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. This prepares to fianchetto your bishop on g2, which is the most effective way to combat the Dutch. From g2, your bishop will exert long-range pressure and provide safety for your king.

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

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, preparing to develop the bishop to e7. This move transitions the game into the Classical Dutch. Alternatively, Black might choose g6 for a Leningrad system, which leads to much sharper and more volatile positions.

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

4. Bg2White · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g2. This is your key piece in this structure. It blunts Black's kingside ambitions and stares down the long diagonal toward the queenside, making it difficult for Black to develop comfortably.

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

4... Be7Black

Black plays Be7, a hallmark of the Classical Dutch. It is more cautious than the Nimzo-Dutch check with Bb4+. Black could also try c6 or d5 to bolster the center, but Be7 keeps the position flexible for both sides.

Other paths here: Bb4+ (Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation) · c6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 c6) · d5 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 d5)

5. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. You are adding more pressure to the d5 and e4 squares. This knight is perfectly placed to support a central breakthrough or to jump into the heart of Black's position later.

Other paths here: Nh3 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation, Blackburne Attack) · Nf3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of strategic depth. White will likely castle and look to expand with e4 or d5, while Black will castle and prepare a central counter-strike or a kingside pawn storm. Both sides must carefully manage their pawn breaks to avoid creating permanent weaknesses.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside for safety
• c3-e4 Push e4 to challenge the center
• e8-g8 Castle to secure the king
• d7-d5 Strike at the center with d5
• f6-e4 Occupy the e4 outpost