June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is the Dutch Defense?

Take your opening knowledge to the next level with the Dutch Defense!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Dutch Defense: 3 quick facts

- The Dutch Defense is thought to have been named after Dutch chess player and author [Elias Stein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Stein_(chess_player)?ref=blog.duolingo.com), who recommended this opening as a response to [1\. d4](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#d4) in his 1789 book on chess.
- It’s an [imbalanced](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#imbalanced), [attacking](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#attacking) opening, rarely leading to [draws](https://preview.duolingo.com/chess/terms/how-does-chess-end?ref=blog.duolingo.com). Despite being [sound](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sound), this opening isn’t very common at [top levels](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/), although it does appear in some leading grandmasters’ repertoires.
- By playing 1…f5, Black prevents White from advancing [in the center](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-opening-moves-tips/#tip-2-control-the-center) with 2. e4. Because the Dutch isn’t as common as other Black responses to 1. d4, it may throw off less experienced players.

## Dutch Defense: the moves

Here are the moves for the Dutch Defense:

1\. d4 f5

## Keep your opponents on their toes

Play the Dutch if you want [sharp](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sharp), attacking [lines](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#line) from Black against [1\. d4](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/d4).

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!