1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Dutch Defence, Classical Variation
1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 d6ECO A96–A99
The flexible face of the Dutch: instead of the rigid Stonewall, Black keeps a pawn on d6 and plays for the …e5 break, aiming to open the game for the pieces and attack on the kingside. Less committal than the Stonewall, with a healthier light-squared bishop.
Key ideas
- The …d6/…e6 setup prepares the freeing …e5 break rather than locking with …d5.
- Black attacks on the kingside (…Qe8–h5, …Ne4) using the half-open f-file from the …f5 push.
- It avoids the Stonewall's e5-hole and bad bishop, at the cost of a slightly looser structure.
Who it suits
Players who want the Dutch's kingside attack with more flexibility than the Stonewall.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Dutch Defence, Classical Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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