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Dutch Defence: the Classical Variation

The Classical Variation of the Dutch is built with the pawn on f5, the pawn on e6 and the bishop on e7: 1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.Nf3 Be7 (ECO A96). It is the intermediate set-up between the Stonewall and the Leningrad.

Black keeps the pawn structure flexible: depending on circumstances it can turn into a Stonewall with ...d5, or undermine the centre with ...d6 and ...e5. The plan is play on the kingside with healthy development.

The Classical Dutch is a versatile and not overly theoretical way to play 1...f5 with Black, leaving the choice of plan for later.

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