Bird Opening: Dutch Variation

About this variation

Black answers 1...d5, taking the center. White gets a reversed Dutch with an extra tempo.

The Dutch Variation is 1. f4 d5. Black takes the center with the d-pawn, and the game reaches a reversed Dutch Defense in which White has an extra tempo. White usually continues with Nf3, e3, Be2 or Bd3, b3 and Bb2, or with g3 and Bg2 for a Leningrad-style set-up.

White's main set-ups are the classical one with e3, Be2 and O-O, the Stonewall with d4 and e3, and the fianchetto with g3 and Bg2. Each leads to a different type of game, but all aim to control e5 and use the extra tempo for kingside play or central control.

Black's typical replies include ...Nf6, ...g6 and ...Bg7, aiming the bishop at White's queenside and the long diagonal, or ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...e6 for a classical center. Black often aims for ...e5 to challenge White's control of that square, which is the key point of the Bird.

White's plans include a kingside attack with Qe1-h4, Ne5 and g4 in some lines, and play on the queenside with b3 and Bb2. White also has the e4 break to open the center once development is complete.

A common mistake for White is to neglect development and let Black play ...e5 under good conditions. A common mistake for Black is to allow White's pieces to settle on e5 without challenge. Both sides should fight for that square from the start.

The Dutch Variation suits White players who know Dutch Defense ideas and want to use them with an extra tempo. Black players should choose one solid set-up, such as ...Nf6, ...g6 and ...Bg7, and learn its main plans.

One concrete set-up worth knowing is 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 g6 4. b3 Bg7 5. Bb2 O-O 6. Be2, where both bishops face each other on the long diagonal. The fight over e5 and the timing of ...c5 or White's d3 and Qe1 decide most games from here.

It is one of the main lines of the Bird Opening.