Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5

ECO code: A85

1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5

Opening Name: Dutch Defense: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5

Moves: 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Bg5

Description: This variation arises from the Dutch Defense, where Black fianchettoes the kingside bishop with ...g6, aiming for a solid yet dynamic setup. White’s 4.Bg5 is a characteristic developing move that pins Black’s knight on f6, exerting pressure on Black’s kingside and potentially disrupting Black’s intended kingside structure.

Characteristic of the Move: The move 4.Bg5 is aimed at increasing tension early by pinning the knight, which supports Black’s central and kingside control. It is a proactive, somewhat aggressive choice by White that asks Black to solve immediate positional questions.

Attacking or Defensive: For White, this move is more attacking and aims to challenge Black’s setup actively. For Black, the setup remains generally defensive but flexible, intending to counter-attack later.

Center Control: This opening indirectly contests the center. While Black’s ...f5 stake claims on e4 and kingside space, White’s c4 and Bg5 support influence over central squares, particularly d5 and e4. The game often revolves around control and tension in the center.

Opening Preview

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.

Related Puzzles

Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5, and sharpen your opening mastery.

Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 white