Opening course · A80 to A99
Learn the Dutch Defence
The Dutch Defence starts with 1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.c4 c6 5.Nf3 d5. Grab e4 with …f5 and build the Stonewall, as Carlsen does.
- You play Black
- Advanced
- Rated about 1300 to 2600
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 14 steps
- 3 Key variations 4 steps
- 4 Traps 3 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 11 steps
Key ideas
- c6, d5, e6, f5: the wall, and e4 is your outpost.
- The bishop goes to d6 and the queen to e7.
- Don’t give the d6 bishop for the e5 knight.
- Free the c8 bishop with …b6 and …Bb7.
Traps you will see
- Mate on g6 Set by White
- Check on h5 Set by White
- The d5 grab Set by White
Model games
- Viswanathan Anand Magnus Carlsen GRENKE Chess Classic, Baden-Baden · 2015
- Fabiano Caruana Magnus Carlsen Gashimov Memorial, Shamkir · 2015
Questions
Is the Dutch Defence good for beginners?
It is an advanced choice, best from about 1300. If you are new, learn a simpler opening first.
What are the first moves of the Dutch Defence?
1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.c4 c6 5.Nf3 d5.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 39 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- Mate on g6
- Check on h5
- The d5 grab