Anti-Dutch with c4

1.d4 f5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.g3

White meets the Dutch with a classical c4 setup and a kingside fianchetto, aiming for stable development and long-term pressure. Black often reaches Leningrad-style structures, but White's early c4 changes the character of the fight.

ECO Code

A80-A89

Difficulty

Beginner-Intermediate

Style

Solid/Positional

Key Idea

Stable center

Typical Plans

White: Finish Development

Bg2, 0-0, Nc3

Keep the position stable and choose when to expand with e4 or play for queenside play.

Black: Central Breaks

...d6 and ...e5 or ...c5

Black's typical counterplay is still based on pawn breaks aimed at undermining White's center.

Long Diagonal Pressure

...Bg7 pointing at d4

With ...Bg7, Black pressures the center. White must watch tactics after ...c5.

Solid Way to Meet the Dutch

Easy development, fewer early tactics, and a clear plan to play for long-term advantage.

Back to Dutch Defense Compare Leningrad Dutch