Dutch Defense: Fianchetto, Ilyin-Zhenevsky, Stonewall Variation

1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O d5

The Stonewall Dutch is a setup where Black creates pawn "teeth" in the center on the light squares f5, e6, d5, and c6. This gives Black a great amount of space and control of e4, at the expense of a certain weakness of the dark-squares.

Pros:

  • Black does not lack space
  • Control of e4 might lead to a kingside attack
  • Black can potentially make a strong ...c5 break

Cons:

  • No black pawns control e5
  • The black light-squared bishop is shut in
  • Very closed and maneuvering opening
Lesson

Learn The Dutch Defense

Learn the main lines and key ideas in the Dutch Defense.
24 min
10 Challenges
Top Players