Dutch Defense: Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line (A99)

The Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A99. 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 Qe8 8. b3, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after eight 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, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line — position after b3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Qe8 8. b3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4f5
2c4Nf6
3g3e6
4Bg2Be7
5Nf3O-O
6O-Od6
7Nc3Qe8
8b3

ECO: A99

Stockfish: +0.63 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Dutch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line?

The Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line goes 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Nc3 Qe8 8. b3. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A99.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line?

The Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line is ECO A99. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line good for White?

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 Qe8 8. b3 at +0.63 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Modern Main Line lead to?

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