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Dutch Defense report from your own games

Dutch Defense report from your own games

An aggressive stance against d4. See if your fighting spirit brings home the points.

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Sample Report

Dutch Defense Report

19 GAMESSample Data
Win Rate
42%

Performance vs Other Openings

Dutch Defense42% Win
Other Openings49% Win

Key Insights

The f5-pawn advance is weakening your king shelter in 68% of games
black
High Impact

King Safety Collapsing on the Kingside

What this means
Your kingside pawn structure after ...f5 creates chronic weaknesses along the e8-h5 diagonal and the g-file. In 13 of 19 Dutch games, your opponent successfully exploited these weaknesses with Qd1-h5, Bc1-h6, or g2-g4 pawn storms. Your king was directly involved in a mating attack in 7 games. In Leningrad game #93, White's Qh5 on move 14 was already decisive because your g7-bishop was blocked by your own pawns on f5 and e6. Your blunder rate in the Dutch (9.4%) is the highest of any opening you play.
How to improve
Prioritize king safety by keeping the g7-bishop active and unblocked. In the Leningrad, delay ...f5 until you have completed ...Bg7, ...O-O, ...d6, and ...Nc6. In the Stonewall, always play ...Bd6 before ...f5 to cover h2-b8 diagonal. Consider ...h6 prophylaxis to prevent Bc1-h6 ideas. Never allow your e6-pawn and f5-pawn to both become targets.
#king-safety#pawn-structure#defense
White is consistently breaking through with e2-e4 before you can establish a blockade
black
High Impact

Losing Control of the e4 Square

What this means
In 11 of 19 games, White successfully played e4 before move 15. When e4 is achieved, your win rate drops to 18% (2 wins in 11 games). In the 8 games where you prevented e4 or delayed it past move 15, your win rate jumps to 75%. The e4 break undermines your entire Dutch structure — it opens the center where your king is vulnerable and renders the f5-pawn backward or isolated. Game #154 shows the typical collapse: e4 on move 12, fxe4 Nxe4 and White dominated every central square.
How to improve
Preventing e4 is the central strategic battle of the Dutch. In the Stonewall, the e4 square is naturally covered by pawns on d5 and f5 — ensure d5 is played early. In the Leningrad, use ...Nc6-e5 or ...d6 and ...e5 setups to blockade. In the Classical, consider ...Qe8 and ...Qh5 to add pressure to e4. Always have a concrete plan for what happens if e4 is played anyway.
#central-control#pawn-breaks#prevention
Your kingside attacks in the Stonewall are generating real winning chances
black

Stonewall Attacking Setup Shows Potential

What this means
In your 8 Stonewall games, you successfully launched a kingside attack in 5 of them, with the standard plan of ...Qe8-h5, ...Rf6-h6, and ...Nf6-e4. Your attack succeeded in 4 of those 5 games, giving you a 80% conversion rate when the attack gets going. The Stonewall's 50% win rate is your best Dutch variation. In game #217, your Qh5/Rh6/Ne4 battery created a mating attack by move 26 that your opponent could not defend.
How to improve
Double down on the Stonewall as your primary Dutch weapon. The attacking plan is clear: ...Bd6, ...Qe8, ...Qh5, ...Nf6-e4, ...Rf8-f6-h6. Memorize the move order and practice the typical sacrificial patterns on h2 and g3. Pair this with queenside restraint (...b6, ...Bb7) so White cannot ignore your kingside to attack on the other flank.
#attack#strengths#kingside

Top Variations

1
Stonewall Variation
8 games
2
Leningrad Variation
7 games
3
Classical Dutch
4 games

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What we analyze in your Dutch Defense games

Your kingside attacking success rate

Your handling of the Leningrad setup with g6

Your tactical awareness in the Stonewall structure

Your resilience against anti-Dutch systems

Your piece coordination from the fianchetto

Your defensive technique when White attacks e6

Learn This Opening

Play through the main line move by move

1.pawn to d4 (d4)

Opponent is playing…
1.d4f52.g3Nf63.Bg2e64.Nf3Be7

Key Positions to Know

Critical concepts every Dutch Defense player should understand

Fighting for e4

With 1...f5, Black immediately contests the e4 square. This is aggressive and double-edged — Black gains kingside attacking chances but weakens the king. The Dutch is for players who want to fight for the initiative as Black.

The Stonewall Formation

The pawns on f5-e6-d5 form a "stonewall" that locks the center. Black gets a rock-solid position with kingside attacking chances via Qh5 or ...Ne4. The weakness is the e5 square and the bad dark-squared bishop.

Kingside Attack

In the Leningrad Dutch (with ...g6 and ...Bg7), Black fianchettoes and prepares ...f4 or ...e5. The g7 bishop supports central and kingside operations. This setup resembles a King's Indian with extra aggression.

Strategic Plans

♔
White's Plans

  • •J p - Y V m i f d k o x I p U e T b! C z b L p W p N K d Z w A C r C M K t Z I l! Q y Q p f T C P G u F H J - A V! N X s E
  • •c Y r A F r y q : Q k I I - R d E v C o H k Q 4 i - R L U 9 Q a k k Z M P v a Q P h t g e Y G y!
  • •I c D t A m j K r a R n n y A H B g w K b Y z N g D K 1! L R h o Z G Y v y E G!
  • •Target the weakened e-file and kingside dark squares, especially e6 and g6
  • •Develop pieces to active squares: Nc3, Qc2 or Qb3, Rfd1, and potentially Rac1
  • •In the Leningrad, prevent Black's ...e5 break or prepare to meet it with d5
  • •Create queenside play with b4-b5 or a4-a5 while Black attacks the kingside
  • •Trade pieces when Black's position becomes cramped, heading to a favorable endgame

♚
Black's Plans

  • •G H j L N l m D 2 M h / j : A E x H J P T u d Y e / U : E a S F P y 1 l e Z X r!
  • •x z R Q D A j c - o u a! 7 w W Z J q : V G O i n e N E j D F M D U e l C c c f o Q!
  • •N f 7 K n t U D H B 3 W / 6 t j R M L t p b h B K j u K j C B l w v E m!
  • •H a p J C a 7 X W q q x D x y : O f K - L : / i m K F G V j 0!
  • •Activate the problematic c8 bishop via ...Bd7-Be8-Bg6/Bh5 in the Stonewall
  • •Create threats on both flanks: kingside attacks and queenside expansion with ...c5 or ...b6-a5
  • •Avoid early pawn trades that open the position and activate White's pieces
  • •Maintain flexibility with piece placement to adapt to White's setup
  • •In dynamic positions, sacrifice the exchange on f3 or play ...g5-g4 to open attacking lines

Key Variations

Explore the most important branches and transpositions in the Dutch Defense.

Stonewall Dutch

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 d5 5.O-O Bd6

Leningrad Dutch

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 d6

Classical Dutch

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 d6

Staunton Gambit

1.d4 f5 2.e4

Anti-Stonewall Setup

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 d5 5.O-O c6 6.b3

Dutch Declined

1.d4 f5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 c6 5.Bg2 d5 6.O-O Bd6 7.b3

Opening Statistics

Original research from 1,700 real amateur games — data you won't find anywhere else.

Avg. Game Length
—awaiting data
Underdog Wins
—awaiting data
Quick Finishes
—awaiting data
Endgame Reach
—awaiting data
White's Edge
+7.7%
Favors BlackEqualFavors White

At 1200-1400

📊White's edge is +7.7% — White has a clear advantage at this level.

How This Opening Changes as You Improve

RatingGamesWhite's Edge
800-1000219
+5.0%51 /0 /46
1000-1200264
+9.5%53 /0 /43
1200-1400271
+7.7%53 /0 /45
1400-1600394
-3.8%47 /0 /51
1600-1800552
+2.1%50 /0 /48

Based on 1,700 games · Updated March 2026

Why Play the Dutch Defense?

A e J N v 8 S d Y K i T v r v S k l v I r L I z K M a w r w t O z T g I C S B A P d a h A p z r s I! G D - U W F W o Q j a W y q s P T g G O f Q Z K W H U t j B J

Z z T b M k A Q 1 D I Y X R r d G!

S p e c y f i c z n a E d u C

N p a W n q n N y X e c a V m X q L Q W a k D G g C - R E L K z U x.

B R T x Y t

W O P p O O J E A B c H O X D.

N D u s

J 0 o V a - M N J r D v x.

Common Traps

Watch out for these dangerous tactical pitfalls

Pułapka Gambitu Stauntona

1.d4 f5 2.e4 fxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 e6 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 Bxf6 7.Nf3 O-O 8.Bd3 b6?? 9.Nxf6+ gxf6 10.Qd2

D R F K Q E - O X q B w f V x e D o. T s K B V f X I U Q Z : H S g X k X m C - r R j x D O S W w g D 9 C g 1 A x o O t F O B R V!

Zarozumiały Leningrad w wygnaniu u G

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.O-O O-O 6.c4 d6 7.Nc3 c6 8.d5 e5?? 9.dxe6 Bxe6 10.Ng5

V O U Y a B q u U U P! A O B N 4 L x / T K p y V Y c / i L c - : H T c x y m d f A z D F! Q I i Z g w J w R k - k c X F P r A G L N D z Z a h.

Martwe punkty Stonewall

1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 d5 5.O-O Bd6 6.c4 c6 7.Qc2 Qe7 8.Bf4 Bxf4 9.gxf4 Nbd7 10.Nc3 O-O 11.e3 Ne4?? 12.Nxe4 fxe4 13.Ng5

O : E B f k o I ! N g i! A Z V R m C o Q O J : - I s - u e k C K J - X d v n Z L A Y H v D x l N U B h r J T o _ D Z I Q G s j F Z M / z d Y : a E i Q Q o a J / i 5 d G X f N k / M u i!

Królewski Zgon u f

1.d4 f5 2.Bg5 h6 3.Bh4 g5 4.Bg3 f4 5.e3

O x z h C H! T Z s K X X r M m C o E - q Y z G w Z! W Z v j R F i k v G. r k O X V w P E v c l e / 6 D c U A o Y k F t d : m 6 q l q q H D N X p : E x J.

Beginner Tips

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C R I Y B G t c r J 5 F Y V e U m u V w g q e j n s w g w P u i F s W D Q A L - / P b F O 2 F D C s L Z t h i : z K - i H! U K H c o i B e F : C L P M P E G q R.

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In the Stonewall, always aim to place a knight on e4 - it's the key piece in your attacking setup

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Be patient with the c8 bishop in the Stonewall - use the maneuver ...Bd7-Be8-Bg6 or ...Bh5 to activate it

💡

The move ...f5 weakens your kingside, especially e6 - always be aware of tactics on the e-file and dark squares

💡

Study the characteristic attacking patterns: Qe8-Qh5, Rf6-Rg6, and pawn storms with ...g5-g4 in the Stonewall

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Don't fear the Staunton Gambit (2.e4) - decline it with 2...e6 or accept with 2...fxe4 followed by accurate defense

💡

In the Leningrad, the ...e5 break is your main strategic goal, but prepare it carefully with ...Nc6 or ...Nbd7 first

💡

Learn to recognize when to trade bishops - often exchanging light-squared bishops helps Black, while keeping dark-squared bishops is important

💡

The Dutch is a fighting opening - don't expect easy equality, but embrace the imbalances and attacking chances

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Practice typical endgames with the Stonewall pawn structure, as understanding the resulting positions is crucial

Common Dutch patterns we detect

We automatically check if you fall for these specific traps.

About the Dutch Defense

The Dutch Defense (1. d4 f5) is an aggressive response to 1. d4 where Black immediately fights for control of the e4 square. It leads to unbalanced positions with attacking chances.

We analyze your attacking play, structural integrity of your kingside, and success in the different Dutch systems. We identify weaknesses in your aggressive approach.

openings.page.sections.keyThemes

Skrzydłowy huragan Ataku Na KrólaSztorm Pionowy c d e i wielkie kruszeniaStruktura Obronna Ściany Płaczu (Stonewall)System Rosyjski z LeningraduPozycje podwyższonego ryzykaPot znoju m i k m k l C Z O A

openings.page.sections.notablePlayers

BotwinnikAloshinNakamuraMalaniuk

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dutch Defense analysis

The Dutch Defense begins with 1. d4 f5 — an immediate, bold claim on the e4 square. Unlike 1...d5 (which fights for the centre directly) or 1...Nf6 (which waits), 1...f5 asserts control of e4 from move one and signals aggressive intent. The trade-off is real: the f5 pawn weakens e6 and creates dark square holes. But in exchange, Black gets a fighting position where passive play is impossible. Named after correspondence player Elias Stein (1789), though called 'Dutch' by Howard Staunton in the 1840s.
The Stonewall structure is formed by Black's pawns on d5-e6-f5 (and often c6). The interlocking pawn chain controls key light squares, especially e4, but permanently weakens d4 and g6. The knight on e4 is the critical piece because it occupies Black's best outpost on a square that cannot be attacked by White's pawns. A knight on e4 supports kingside attacks (Qe8-Qh5, Rf6-Rg6), creates tactical threats, and ties down White's pieces.
The Stonewall (pawns on d5-e6-f5) and Leningrad Dutch (pawns on g6-f5 with Bg7 fianchetto) are opposite in character. The Stonewall is positional — it relies on piece manoeuvres (Qe8-Qh5, Ne4, Bd7-Be8-Bg6) and the structural Ne4 outpost. The Leningrad is dynamic — Black fianchettoes with ...Bg7 and plays for ...e5 to challenge White's centre, resembling a King's Indian with f5. The Leningrad is preferred by tactical players (Nakamura); the Stonewall by positional ones (Botvinnik, Kramnik). Both are theoretically viable.
The Staunton Gambit (2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3) is White's most aggressive response and the main test of 1...f5. Black must play 3...Nf6 (not 3...d5). The critical line runs 4. Bg5 e6 5. Nxe4 Be7 — developing solidly and returning the pawn. The trap (8...b6?? 9.Nxf6+ gxf6 10.Qd2) punishes passive development — Black must play ...Nc6 or ...d5 actively.
The Leningrad Overextension occurs after 1. d4 f5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. O-O O-O 6. c4 d6 7. Nc3 c6 8. d5 e5??. Black's premature 8...e5 walks into 9. dxe6 Bxe6 10. Ng5, attacking the bishop. After 10...Bc8, White has won a free pawn. The correct plan is to prepare ...e5 with ...Na6 or ...Nc6 first, ensuring the bishop has a safe retreat.
Mikhail Botvinnik used the Stonewall Dutch as his primary weapon because its structure matched his methodical, long-term planning style. Hikaru Nakamura favours the Leningrad because its sharp, tactical character suits his aggressive style: the ...e5 break creates imbalances where his tactical sharpness is decisive. Nakamura's victory over Carlsen at Bilbao 2011 with the Leningrad demonstrated the opening remains a viable weapon at the very top level.

Famous Games

AlekhinevsBogolyubov
World Championship 19290-1

S g s Z h c p 8 B b P L / p n w M N - B l L V w U Z e r p M h Z! U : M T U W u z K B h b i J p - A 0 E O F J.

BotvinnikvsSmyslov
World Championship 19541-0

z v : E L M G E r - P s ! p a f c e T v d L G M k G o u x X : - g j B y r u K O N l Z c n A F m p - D j m A R Y H o A o h m j! T H z i p P E i F k g a j m! h m O V B S ! G u Z : B T X i g V A!

CarlsenvsNakamura
Bilbao Masters 20110-1

W u 2 r P J n N h - p l h e n a u e 5 G I f P r R j n V W - B t z m H O x!

MalaniukvsIvanchuk
USSR Championship 19880-1

S u h c a G D m q Y 4 I O a / B U F y!

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