Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...Nf6/3. Nc3

Queen's knight variation A85 2... Nf6 3...e6 · Classical / Stonewall 3...g6 · Leningrad Variation 3. Nc3 · Queen's knight variation 3. Nc3 develops a piece and increases White's control over the e4 and d5 squares. 3...e6 prepares to develop the king's bishop to b4, pinning White's knight. This may also lead to a "stonewall" formation, with pawns on f5, e6, d5, and c6. 3...d6 defends the f5 pawn. 3...g6: prepares to fianchetto the king's bishop instead. Preparing to fianchetto the queen's bishop, 3...b6, is uncommon. Theory table References See also Dutch Defence