Dutch: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5 d5

Definition

This line arises in the Dutch Defense after 1. d4 f5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5 d5. It is an Anti-Dutch setup where White immediately pins the f6-knight with Bg5 and keeps flexible options in the center. Black’s ...d5 stakes space and often steers the game toward Classical/Stonewall-style structures (pawns on f5–d5–e6 or f5–d5 with ...c6), while White looks for timely e2–e4 or piece pressure on the dark squares.

Because it challenges Black’s kingside development and central control early, this move order is popular as a practical weapon in Blitz and Rapid. It blends solid development with latent attacking chances and can sidestep some heavy mainline Dutch theory.

How it is used in chess

White uses 2. Nc3 to support a quick e4 and to enable Bg5 without conceding tempi. After 3. Bg5, the pin makes ...e6 and ...Be7 slightly less comfortable for Black until the pin is resolved. Black’s 3...d5 fights for the center, prepares ...e6, and can transpose to structures known from the Stonewall.

White goals: maintain the pin, prepare e2–e4 (sometimes with f2–f3), develop smoothly (Nf3, e3, Bd3, 0-0), and be alert to tactical shots on e4/f5.
Black goals: unpin with ...e6 and ...Be7, seek ...c5 or ...c6 depending on structure, and consider the ...Ne4 motif to challenge the g5-bishop and the c3-knight.

Strategic themes for White

Pressure on f6 and the dark squares: Bg5 nudges Black into careful piece placement. If Black mistimes ...e6, the pin can be annoying.
The e4 break: Achieve e4 with e3 and sometimes f3. After a successful e4, Black’s kingside can loosen, and the d5–f5 complex may be undermined.
Structural choice with Bxf6: Capturing on f6 (Bxf6) invites ...exf6, giving Black doubled f-pawns and an e-file without an e-pawn; this weakens dark squares (e6, e5) but yields Black the bishop pair and central control chances.
Flexible development: Typical setup is Nf3, e3, Bd3, Qf3 or Qd2, 0-0, followed by c4 or f3–e4 depending on Black’s plan.

Strategic themes for Black

Unpin and consolidate: ...e6, ...Be7, and ...0-0 are standard. After the pin is neutralized, ...c5 and/or ...b6–...Bb7 can harmonize the position.
The ...Ne4 resource: A common tactical and positional idea. ...Ne4 can hit Bg5 and pressure c3; sometimes Black is happy to trade on c3 to damage White’s queenside structure.
Central breaks: ...c5 in one go (or via ...c6 first) challenges d4. If White releases the center with dxc5, Black can recapture and equalize activity.
Accepting doubled f-pawns: If 4. Bxf6 exf6 occurs, Black should use the half-open e-file, aim for ...Be6–...Nd7–...Bd6, and consider kingside space (...g6) to blunt White’s play.

Common tactics and pitfalls

...Ne4! hitting the g5-bishop and c3-knight. If White’s pieces are loosely coordinated, LPDO (Loose pieces drop off) tactics appear.
Qb6 ideas: After ...e6 and ...Be7, ...Qb6 can hit b2 and d4 if White delays development on the queenside.
Premature e4: Rushing e4 without enough support can run into ...fxe4 and or ...Nxe4 tactics, handing Black the initiative.
Bxf6 structural choice: 4. Bxf6 exf6 gives Black doubled f-pawns; if White doesn’t quickly target e6/e5 squares or exploit the weakened dark squares, Black’s bishop pair can become strong later.

Example lines and visualizations

Illustrative “structural choice” line (Bxf6 plan for White):

Notes: White has targets on e6 and the e-file; Black enjoys the bishop pair and solid central space. Both sides still aim for the thematic e4 (for White) and ...c5 (for Black).

Illustrative “quiet development” line (keeping the pin, then unpin):

Notes: Black equalizes activity with ...c5; the pin is gone and both sides have clear development schemes.

Move-order nuances and transpositions

If Black prefers to avoid early pins, 3...e6 instead of 3...d5 is possible, likely transposing after ...Be7.
With 3...d5 already played, a Stonewall-style setup with ...e6–...Bd6–...0-0–...c6 can arise if Black wants a sturdy dark-square grip.
White can transpose to more standard anti-Dutch layouts with Nf3, e3, Bd3, 0-0, c4, testing Black’s central structure without committing to an early pawn break.

Evaluation and practical advice

Objectively, the line is balanced with “play for both sides.” Engines often show a small edge for White in the Anti-Dutch family due to safer king and clearer central breaks, but Black’s practical counterplay is excellent once the pin is handled. From a practical standpoint, it’s an excellent surprise weapon in Blitz/Rapid, forcing Black to solve problems over the board and providing rich Practical chances.

White checklist: complete development (Nf3, e3, Bd3, 0-0), prepare e4 carefully, and decide on Bxf6 based on Black’s setup.
Black checklist: unpin with ...e6–...Be7–...0-0, time ...Ne4 accurately, and use ...c5 or ...c6–...c5 to challenge the center.

Interesting facts

The structure after Bxf6 exf6 is unusual in the Dutch: Black gets doubled f-pawns and no e-pawn, creating long-term dark-square battles and a half-open e-file for both sides to use.
Because the g5-bishop is “asking for it,” the ...h6–...g5 or ...Ne4 ideas are common themes—both sides must calculate carefully to avoid a sudden Swindle or a tactical Trap.
Strong club players frequently adopt this line as part of “low-theory” Anti-Dutch systems, supported by targeted Home prep and quick checks with Engine eval.

Training snippets

Tactic motif: spot ...Ne4 ideas for Black and e4 breaks for White in your analysis. Mark key squares and lines in your notes.
Endgame vision: if Bxf6 exf6 occurs, plan for long-term fights over e5/e6/d5 and the e-file; bishop pair vs structure is the main trade-off.

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Last updated 2025-11-05

Dutch: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5 d5