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Hopton Attack
1.d4 f5 2.Bg5
The Hopton Attack is a simple but annoying sideline against the Dutch. White pins and pressures the kingside early, often aiming for e4 ideas or rapid development to punish careless play.
ECO Code
A80
Difficulty
Beginner-Intermediate
Style
Tricky/Practical
Key Idea
Early Bg5 pressure
Black's Main Responses
Solid Development
...Nf6, ...e6, ...Be7
Black ignores the pin and develops, aiming for a standard Dutch structure.
Chasing the Bishop
...h6 and ...g5 ideas
Black can gain tempo, but must watch for kingside weakening and tactical shots.
Central Counterplay
...d5 or ...c5
Striking at the center is often the cleanest way to equalize and avoid trouble.
Practical Anti-Dutch Idea
The Hopton Attack is easy to learn and forces Black to be accurate from move two.
Back to Dutch Defense Raphael Variation