Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 d5

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to 1.d4. Black immediately fights for the e4-square and creates attacking chances on the kingside. In this Fianchetto variation, White aims for a solid positional structure to neutralize Black's aggression and exploit the slight weaknesses created by the f5-pawn push.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This central strike claims space and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many solid positional systems where you control the pace of the game.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, the Dutch Defense. It is a provocative choice compared to the solid d5 or the flexible Nf6. By avoiding the main Queen's Gambit lines or the Indian Defenses like the Nimzo-Indian, Black forces an asymmetrical struggle where the better-prepared player often prevails.

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. You are building a powerful pawn duo in the center that exerts pressure on d5 and prepares to develop your queen's knight behind the pawns. This is the standard way to challenge the Dutch by gaining space on the queenside.

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. This is the most flexible continuation, though Black could also choose the Classical setup with e6 or even the Leningrad system with g6, which leads to very different pawn structures and tactical themes.

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 to g2, where it will breathe fire down the long diagonal. In the Dutch, this is the most solid way to defend your king while keeping an eye on the central squares.

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 further development. This move often leads towards the Classical Dutch, though if Black later chooses g6, it would transition into a Leningrad system. The move d6 is another common way to challenge White's setup more modestly.

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 variation, providing a secure home for your king after castling and putting pressure on the d5 and e4 squares. It is the cornerstone of your positional 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 develops the bishop to e7, a hallmark of the Classical Dutch. Other aggressive options like Bb4+ exist to disrupt White's coordination, or the immediate d5 to enter the Stonewall structure, but Be7 is the most patient and flexible choice.

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 secures your king's future home and prepares for castling. The knight on f3 is perfectly placed to support the d4 pawn and control the critical e5 square, which is often the focal point of the struggle.

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

5... d5Black

Black plays d5, establishing the famous Stonewall structure. This is a major commitment that closes the center. Black could have castled first or played d6, but d5 immediately challenges White to find a way through the solid defensive wall.

Other paths here: d6 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 d6) · O-O (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position has reached a typical Stonewall Dutch structure. White will look to exploit the hole on e5 and expand on the queenside, while Black aims for a kingside attack, often involving a rook lift or a pawn storm. Both sides have clear, long-term strategic goals in this complex and deeply positional battle.

• f3-e5 Occupy the e5 hole with a knight
• e1-g1 Secure the king by castling
• e8-g8 Complete kingside development and castle
• f8-f6 Prepare a rook lift for kingside pressure
• c1-f4 Develop the dark-squared bishop actively