1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d5 7.b3 opens the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... 7.b3, ECO A93. With 11,646 games on record, the patterns below come from the largest practical sample available.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... 0-0. On the White side, Istvan Bilek (3 games), Joel Lautier (3 games), Joerg Gruenenwald (3 games) top the database. Notable Black exponents: Lars Karlsson (12 games), Carlos Enrique Guimard (8 games), Grigorij Pres (7 games).
Move Diversity and Theory Depth
What players actually play after the opening moves depends heavily on rating. At 1200 Elo, the top reply is c6, played 44.4% of the time. There are 5 other moves seeing meaningful share, and 77.8% of games stick to established theory. Entropy: 2.24. By 2500, c6 dominates at 60.3% of replies; only 3 viable alternatives remain and 89% of moves are theory. Entropy drops to 1.82.
Main Lines and Variations
The main branches off 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d5 7.b3 include:
Each branch leads to a different middlegame character — the resulting pawn structure decides what kind of game you get.
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting development — Extra pawn moves in the opening are tempting, especially when you "know the moves". Developing a piece each turn is the simple correction.
- Playing without a plan — Each Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... 7.b3 middlegame demands a specific approach. Decide whether the position calls for attack, manoeuvre, or simplification before reaching for a move.
Practice on Chessiverse
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