Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 d6

Before the first move

The Dutch Defense is an ambitious, asymmetrical response to the Queen's Pawn Opening. By playing f5, Black immediately stakes a claim to the e4-square and prepares a kingside attack, while White seeks to exploit the slight weakening of Black's king and dominate the center with a fianchettoed light-squared bishop.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4 to seize control of the center. This classic opening move establishes a strong presence in the middle and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop.

1... f5Black

Black replies with f5, entering the Dutch Defense. While d7-d5 or Nf6 are more standard, this move is a favorite for players seeking a win with Black. You might also see the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4 to increase your influence in the center. This move prepares to develop your knight to c3 and supports your d4 pawn while putting pressure on Black's kingside structure.

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 standard and flexible move. Black could also choose g6 to enter the Leningrad Dutch or e6 to head toward the Classical Variation, but Nf6 keeps all options open.

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 to prepare a fianchetto for your bishop. Placing your bishop on g2 will provide long-term pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal and create a very safe home for your king.

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

3... e6Black

Black plays e6, signaling a shift toward the Classical or Ilyin-Zhenevsky structures. If Black preferred a more modern approach, they might have chosen g6 for the Leningrad system or d6 to keep the center fluid.

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

4. Bg2White · your move

Place your bishop on g2. This powerful piece now exerts influence over the entire long diagonal, eyeing the center and Black's queenside while bolstering your own king's future safety.

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, preparing to castle. A more provocative alternative is Bb4+, known as the Nimzo-Dutch, which seeks to trade pieces or disrupt White's development, but Be7 is more solid.

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 brings another piece into the game, controls the center, and finishes the preparations for your king to castle safely into the g3-g2 pocket.

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

5... d6Black

Black plays d6, choosing a flexible setup that prepares for a central break. Black often chooses d5 here for a Stonewall-style structure or castles immediately to get the king into safety before deciding on the pawn center.

Other paths here: d5 (Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 d5) · O-O (Dutch Defense: Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position is a classic Dutch battleground. White has a solid center and a powerful bishop on g2, aiming to expand on the queenside or center with Nc3 and O-O. Black's setup is flexible, looking to castle and eventually strike with e5 or launch a kingside pawn storm. Both sides must be careful; one misstep in the center can lead to a decisive advantage.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside for safety
• b1-c3 Develop knight to pressure d5
• e8-g8 Secure the king immediately
• e6-e5 Prepare central break with e5
• c1-f4 Develop bishop to active square