Dutch Defense
1.d4 f5
A defense for Black
Control e4 immediately and attack from the first move.
Show me the opening
0 / 2 moves
The idea
Black plays ...f5 immediately to control e4 and set up a kingside attack. It's an aggressive, unbalanced defense that leads to double-edged positions.
The plan
Develop with ...Nf6, ...e6, ...Be7, ...O-O, and then launch a kingside attack with ...Ne4 and pushing the e-pawn. The Stonewall variation (with ...d5 and ...c6) is the most popular beginner system.
What to play next
White often responds with g3 and Bg2 for a fianchetto approach. Black develops with ...Nf6, ...e6, and ...Be7 before castling. After White plays c4, Black plays ...d6 for a flexible setup that avoids the main lines. The bishop on g2 and Black's f5 pawn are the key positional factors.
1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 d6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 12 moves
One tip for beginners
Try the Stonewall Dutch: play ...d5, ...e6, ...c6, ...Nf6, ...Be7, and ...O-O. Then place a knight on e4 for a solid attacking setup.
What to watch out for
The f5 pawn weakens your king slightly. Don't castle into a storm - if White is attacking your kingside, consider keeping the king in the centre temporarily.
Is this opening working for you?
Free. Chess2EZ shows your win rate by opening and explains where each game goes wrong.
Analyze my games →