Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6

+236%
A961.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6
Feb 20, 2026
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TL;DR

The Ilyin-Zhenevsky setup with ...Be7 and ...d6 gives Black a flexible position with kingside attacking prospects. The f5 pawn controls e4 while Black maintains options for ...e5 or ...Qe8-h5.

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Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6: A Complete Guide
Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6 - Opening Moves
Summary

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6 arises after 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 and falls under ECO code A96. With 187,233 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... 0-0. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Georg Danner (8 games), Colin S Crouch (7 games), Glenn C Flear (7 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Igor Naumkin (42 games), Simon K Williams (36 games), Bassem Amin (31 games).

Statistics

Based on 187,233 Lichess games across all rating levels:

  • White wins: 50.8%
  • Black wins: 42.9%
  • Draws: 6.3%

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 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6, 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... d6 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 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp1b1pp/3ppn2/5p2/2PP4/5NP1/PP2PPBP/RNBQ1RK1 w - - 0 7
DifficultyAdvanced
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.

187,233games on Lichess
50.8%
6.3%
42.9%
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
400Nc342.4%e312.1%Bg59.1%
1000Nc352.3%b37.1%Bg56.6%
1200Nc357.5%Bg57.5%b37.4%
1400Nc365.4%b36.9%Bg55.4%
1600Nc371%b38.3%Nbd24%
1800Nc375%b310.8%Nbd23.2%
2000Nc375.3%b314.9%Nbd22.3%
2200Nc373.3%b318.7%b42.8%
2500Nc372.8%b319.6%b44.4%

Popularity by Time Control

Bullet
<0.01%98K
Blitz
<0.01%170K
Rapid
<0.01%17K
3% more decisive in bullet
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6?

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6 begins with 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 and is classified under ECO code A96.

Is the Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6 good for beginners?

The Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4... d6 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... d6?

The main continuations include: Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Nc3 Qe8. 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... d6?

Across 187,233 Lichess games, White wins 50.8% of the time, Black wins 42.9%, and 6.3% are drawn. Notable master practitioners on the White side include Georg Danner and Colin S Crouch. On the Black side, Igor Naumkin and Simon K Williams 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.

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