Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...Nf6

Normal variation A84 2. c4 3. Nc3 · Queen's Knight Variation 3. g3 · Fianchetto Variation 3. Nf3 · Standard development 2...Nf6 · Normal variation 2...Nf6 is the normal variation of the Dutch Defence. It is a natural developing move. As well as helping to control the centre, the knight is valuable in controlling h5. Black weakened the e8-h5 diagonal when they moved their f-pawn. White has several ways to continue: 3. Nc3 is the queen's knight variation. White develops the knight to its most active square to control e4. 3. g3 is the fianchetto variation, where White prepares to control the long diagonal with their king's bishop. Theory table References See also Dutch Defence