Dutch Defense: Classical Variation, Huisl Variation (A96)

The Classical Variation, Huisl Variation is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A96. The line runs 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Ne4, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

On the Dutch Defense generally: An aggressive response to 1.d4 where Black immediately fights for control of the e4 square.

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Dutch Defense: Classical Variation, Huisl Variation — position after Ne4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Ne4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4f5
2c4Nf6
3g3e6
4Bg2Be7
5Nf3O-O
6O-Od6
7Nc3Ne4

ECO: A96

Stockfish: +0.59 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Dutch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Huisl Variation?

The Classical Variation, Huisl Variation goes 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Ne4. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A96.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Huisl Variation?

The Classical Variation, Huisl Variation is ECO A96. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Huisl Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Ne4 at +0.59 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation, Huisl Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.