ECO A80 · Dutch Defense

Dutch Defense

1. d4 f5

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White to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

2. g3+0.64

White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Dutch Defense (A80), reached after 1. d4 f5, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. g3 for White. White is slightly better (+0.64).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.642. g3 e6 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. Nh3 d5 5. O-O Bd6 6. c4 O-O
  2. +0.552. c4 e6 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 d5 5. Nc3 c6 6. Nh3 Be7
  3. +0.502. Nf3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 e6 5. c4 Bd6 6. O-O c6

Other move orders

  • 1. d4 f5 2. c4

All Dutch Defense variations (57)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Dutch Defense?
After 1. d4 f5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. g3 for White, continuing e6 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. Nh3 d5 5. O-O Bd6 6. c4 O-O. White is slightly better (+0.64). The next best moves are 2. c4 (+0.55) and 2. Nf3 (+0.50).
Is the Dutch Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.64: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Dutch Defense?
A80. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; A is the volume for flank openings.

Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).