Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to White's queen's pawn opening. By playing f5, Black immediately fights for the e4-square and creates a complex battleground. White's most solid approach involves a kingside fianchetto to blunt Black's attacking prospects while building a powerful center.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4 to claim central space and open lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. This foundational move establishes a solid foothold in the center and prepares for a structured positional game.

1... f5Black

Black replies f5, entering the Dutch Defense. This move stops White from easily playing e4 but creates some long-term weaknesses around the black king. Other popular responses like the Englund Gambit or the solid Horwitz Defense lead to very different structures.

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

2. c4White · your move

Advance your c-pawn to c4. This move increases your control over the center, specifically the d5-square, and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It is a standard way to put pressure on Black's setup.

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, reinforcing control over e4 and d5. This is a very standard developing move. Black could also choose the Classical Variation with e6 or the Leningrad setup with g6 to prepare a kingside fianchetto.

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. This prepares to fianchetto your bishop to g2, where it will exert powerful pressure along the long diagonal and provide a safe shelter for your king after you castle kingside.

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 into the Classical Dutch. Alternatively, Black could play g6 to enter the Leningrad Dutch, which leads to much sharper and more tactical 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 strongest piece in this setup, eyeing the center and the queenside while providing excellent defense for your king. It neutralizes much of Black's potential f-pawn 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 plays Be7, a quiet developing move typical of the Classical Dutch. You might also see Black play Bb4+ to disrupt White's development or the solid c6 to prepare a Stonewall structure with d5.

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. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move completes your kingside development and prepares for castling. The knight helps control the center and supports your future plans of expansion on the queenside or in the center.

Other paths here: Nh3 (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation, Blackburne Attack) · Nc3 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nc3)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of strategic depth. White will castle kingside and look to expand on the queenside or with e4. Black will also castle and typically aims for a kingside attack or a central break with d6 and e5. Both sides need to be careful about king safety and pawn structure as the middle game begins.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside for safety
• e8-g8 Castle kingside and safeguard king
• b1-c3 Develop knight to pressure center
• d7-d5 Challenge center with d5 push
• f3-e5 Occupy e5 with the knight