1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Dutch Defence, Stonewall Variation
1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 d5 5.O-O c6 6.c4 Bd6ECO A90–A95
Black builds a rigid pawn wall on d5-e6-f5 (the 'stonewall'), clamping e4 and aiming everything at the kingside. Committal but dangerous: Black accepts a hole on e5 and a passive light-squared bishop in return for a ready-made attacking structure and the e4-square under control.
Key ideas
- The d5-e6-f5 pawns lock the centre and grip e4; Black's pieces mass for a kingside attack (…Qe8–h5, …Ne4).
- The e5-square is Black's chronic weakness and the light bishop is passive — the two prices of the setup.
- Freeing the bad bishop (…Bd7–e8–h5, or …b6/…Ba6) is a key part of Black's plan.
Who it suits
Attacking players who want a clear, aggressive kingside plan against 1.d4 and don't mind a committal structure.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Dutch Defence, Stonewall Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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