Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nc3 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. In this specific line, White adopts a solid fianchetto setup to blunt Black's kingside pressure while preparing to contest the center. Both sides are fighting for control over the critical e4 and e5 squares.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4 to claim central space and open lines for your queen and bishop. This classic opening move establishes a strong presence in the center and prepares for a strategic battle where you control the pace.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, signaling the Dutch Defense. This is a provocative choice that avoids the standard paths of the Queen's Gambit. White has many ways to respond, including the aggressive Hopton Attack with Bg5 or the sharp Korchnoi Attack with h3, but the main battle usually involves c4.

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

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4 to challenge the center and prepare to develop your knight behind it. This move puts pressure on d5 and gains space on the queenside, a standard maneuver in almost all queen's pawn openings to maximize your influence.

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, a standard and flexible move in the Dutch. White often continues with g3 to fianchetto the bishop, though the Raphael Variation with Nc3 is an alternative that puts immediate pressure on the center. Nf6 remains the most popular and solid choice here.

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 the fianchetto of your light-squared bishop to g2, where it will exert long-term pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal. This setup is the most effective way to neutralize Black's typical kingside attacking plans in the Dutch.

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 for development. This often leads to the Classical Dutch or the Stonewall. White's most common response is to complete the fianchetto with Bg2, though developing the knight to c3 immediately is a common alternative to keep pressure on d5.

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. From this powerful outpost, your bishop radiates influence across the board, defending your king and eyeing the central squares. This is the cornerstone of White's strategy against the Dutch, providing both safety and long-range pressure.

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 chooses Be7, a hallmark of the Classical and Ilyin-Zhenevsky systems. It is more restrained than the aggressive Bb4+ but very difficult to break down. White can now develop the knight to f3 or c3, or even play Nh3 to keep the f-pawn's path clear.

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. This move increases your control over the d5 and e4 squares and prepares to put maximum pressure on Black's center. It is a more direct approach than the Blackburne Attack with Nh3 or the standard Nf3 line.

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

5... d5Black

Black plays d5, creating a solid central wedge. This move challenges White's control and fixes the pawn structure. While castling is the main alternative, d5 forces White to decide how to handle the tension between the c4 and d5 pawns.

Other paths here: O-O (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nc3 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is a strategic battleground. White will likely develop the king's knight to h3 or f3 and castle, then look to exploit the hole on e5. Black will castle and try to use the f-file and the e4-square for an eventual kingside attack. Both sides must carefully manage the central tension and the placement of their minor pieces.

• g1-h3 Develop knight to h3 to support f4
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king
• c3-e2 Maneuver knight to support the center
• f6-e4 Occupy the e4 outpost with the knight