Dutch Defense: Hort-Antoshin System (A86)

The Hort-Antoshin System is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A86. The line runs 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 d6 4. Bg2 c6 5. Nc3 Qc7, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.

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

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Dutch Defense: Hort-Antoshin System — position after Qc7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 d6 4. Bg2 c6 5. Nc3 Qc7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4f5
2c4Nf6
3g3d6
4Bg2c6
5Nc3Qc7

ECO: A86

Stockfish: +0.69 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Hort-Antoshin System?

The Hort-Antoshin System goes 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 d6 4. Bg2 c6 5. Nc3 Qc7. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A86.

What is the ECO code for the Hort-Antoshin System?

The Hort-Antoshin System is ECO A86. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Hort-Antoshin System good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 d6 4. Bg2 c6 5. Nc3 Qc7 at +0.69 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 Hort-Antoshin System lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.