Dutch Defense: Leningrad Variation
Black combines the f-pawn advance with a kingside fianchetto. The bishop needs central activity to become useful; compare preparations for a central break with the risks around the king.
Your plan as White
Develop safely and observe the squares weakened by Black's early f-pawn move.
The opponent’s plan
Use ...f5 to control e4, then choose a coherent bishop and central pawn setup.
Watch out: The e8–h5 diagonal and king safety require attention after moving the f-pawn.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
Sign in to practiceComplete all 6 practices across both colors for one lesson completion. Replaying a completed lesson earns no additional leaderboard completion.
Name, background and sources
The Dutch has been played for centuries without one clear origin story. Botvinnik was one of the world champions who used it regularly.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.