Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. f3

Now leaving opening theory: This page represents a rare sideline. Before making new pages for following moves, please consider line notability.

A rare and abnormal sideline in the Dutch Defence. The main idea is quite straightforward: push e4 to control the center and challenge Black's f5 pawn. However, it blocks the natural developing square for the g1 knight and opens the e1-h4 diagonal. Sometimes, White can gambit a pawn on e4 for quick development and lines.

2...Nf6 is Black's most common move, controlling d5 once more with the knight. White can gambit their e-pawn with 3. e4 fxe4 4. fxe4 Nxe4 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. bxc3, and White is prepared to develop with Nf3, Bf4 and Bc4.

2...e6 goes for a standard Stonewall system, but allows White to fight for the center with 3. e4. However, after 3...fxe4, 4. fxe4? is not advised because of 4...Qh4+! and Black regains the pawn with compensation after 5. Ke2 (5. g3?? Qxe4+! 6. Qe2 Qxh1-+) Qxe4+ 6. Kf2. So instead White can try to sacrifice the pawn for development with 4. Nc3 exf3 5. Nxf3 where White has two knights developed an ready to develop the bishops.

2...d5 is the most accurate move, reinforcing d5 with the pawn. This leads to an equal, slightly normal position after 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5=, where both sides want to attempt to challenge the center and develop their pieces quickly.