Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7

+40%
A911.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7
Feb 20, 2026
Play this opening as...
TL;DR

Black develops with ...Be7 in the Classical Dutch, maintaining flexibility before committing to a pawn structure. The resulting positions allow Black to choose between Stonewall (...d5) and fluid (...d6) setups.

Written by

Chessiverse
Chessiverse TeamOpening Guides

Expert chess content backed by opening theory and our database of 600+ AI bots with unique playing styles and opening repertoires.

Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7: A Complete Guide
Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 - Opening Moves
Summary

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 arises after 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 and falls under ECO code A91. With 144,255 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a specialized opening choice.

History and Notable Players

It arises from the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... 4.Bg2. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Glenn C Flear (7 games), Colin S Crouch (7 games), Ivan Farago (7 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Simon K Williams (25 games) and Igor Naumkin (25 games).

Statistics

Based on 144,255 Lichess games across all rating levels:

  • White wins: 51.6%
  • Black wins: 42.5%
  • Draws: 5.8%

White holds a moderate edge statistically, though Black has good practical chances.

Main Lines and Variations

After 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7, the main continuations include:

Each of these lines leads to distinct types of positions and requires its own understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece placements.

Practice on Chessiverse

The best way to learn the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.

Quick Facts

Main Line1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7
FENrnbqk2r/ppppb1pp/4pn2/5p2/2PP4/6P1/PP2PPBP/RNBQK1NR w KQkq - 2 5
DifficultyIntermediate
Style

Aggressor openings create immediate tension and look for direct attacks. These lines are designed to put pressure on the opponent from the very first moves, often leading to unbalanced positions.

144,255games on Lichess
51.6%
5.8%
42.5%
White wins Draws Black wins

Top Players

As White
As Black

Data from Lichess opening explorer (blitz & rapid)

Most Popular At2500
SharpnessBalanced

Popularity by Rating

Percentage of all games at each rating bracket that feature this opening.

Data from Lichess opening explorer (blitz & rapid games)

Theory Adherence by Rating

How often players choose the single most popular move at this position. Higher = more predictable play.

White to move after the opening line

Popularity Over Time

Share of all Lichess blitz + rapid games featuring this opening, by year.

Top Moves by Rating

White to move after the opening line

RatingMost Popular2nd3rd
400Nf347.2%Nc320.8%Nh37.5%
1000Nf341.2%Nc334.3%e37.9%
1200Nf346.2%Nc333.8%e37.4%
1400Nf342.5%Nc337.9%e35.6%
1600Nc342.2%Nf338.9%Nh35.9%
1800Nc341.5%Nf337.8%Nh39.9%
2000Nf342.8%Nc334.9%Nh313.2%
2200Nf352.3%Nc325.5%Nh314.8%
2500Nf358.8%Nc321.2%Nh313.6%

Popularity by Time Control

Bullet
<0.01%51K
Blitz
<0.01%127K
Rapid
<0.01%17K
2% more decisive in bullet
Play this opening as...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7?

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 begins with 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 and is classified under ECO code A91.

Is the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 good for beginners?

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7 can be played at any level. Beginners should focus on understanding the key strategic ideas rather than memorizing long theoretical lines. Our AI bots at various rating levels provide a great way to practice the opening concepts.

What are the main variations of the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7?

The main continuations include: Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0. Each variation leads to distinct types of positions with their own strategic themes.

What are the win rates for the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... Be7?

Across 144,255 Lichess games, White wins 51.6% of the time, Black wins 42.5%, and 5.8% are drawn. Notable master practitioners on the White side include Glenn C Flear and Colin S Crouch. On the Black side, Simon K Williams and Igor Naumkin are among the most frequent practitioners.

Written by

Chessiverse
Chessiverse TeamOpening Guides

Expert chess content backed by opening theory and our database of 600+ AI bots with unique playing styles and opening repertoires.

Practice This Opening on Chessiverse

Play against 600+ AI bots with unique personalities and opening repertoires. From beginner-friendly to grandmaster-level opponents, find the perfect sparring partner for any opening.

Play Now
Back to Articles