Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation (A90)

The Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A90. The line runs 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7, 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.

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Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation — position after Be7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4f5
2c4Nf6
3g3e6
4Bg2Bb4+
5Bd2Be7

ECO: A90

Stockfish: +0.56 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation?

The Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation goes 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A90.

What is the ECO code for the Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation?

The Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation is ECO A90. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7 at +0.56 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 Nimzo-Dutch Variation, Alekhine Variation lead to?

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