ECO code: A80
Dutch Defense: Korchnoi Attack
Moves: 1. d4 f5 2. h3
The Korchnoi Attack is a somewhat rare and subtle system against the Dutch Defense. By playing 2. h3, White aims to prevent Black's typical kingside expansion with ...Ng4 or ...Bh4, which are common thematic moves in the Dutch. This move also prepares to support a later g4 push or simply keeps flexible options for White's kingside development.
Characteristics: The move h3 is a prophylactic and positional waiting move rather than an immediate strike. It is designed to restrict Black's piece activity and maintain a solid but flexible setup.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this is a more positional and somewhat defensive approach, focusing on controlling Black's typical attacking ideas on the kingside. Black, on the other hand, remains in an attacking posture aiming to challenge White’s center and initiate kingside play.
Center Control: This opening does not directly attack the center with the second move. Instead, White maintains central presence with the pawn on d4, while using h3 to inhibit Black's active piece placement. Black’s first move ...f5 signals an aggressive attempt to control e4 and prepare for a kingside attack.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Dutch Defense: Korchnoi Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #6 black