Dutch Defense: Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation (A95)

The Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A95. The line runs 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. Nc3 c6 8. Qc2 Qe8 9. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move after nine 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.

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.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre
• Same-side castling
• White development lead

Related Dutch Defense lines

• Stonewall Variation
• Stonewall Variation, Botvinnik Variation
• Stonewall Variation
• Stonewall Variation
• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, Buenos Aires Variation
• Classical Variation, Huisl Variation
• Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation
• Leningrad, Basman System
• Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation
• Staunton Gambit, Lasker Variation
• Hort-Antoshin System

See all 26 Dutch Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation?

The Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation goes 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. Nc3 c6 8. Qc2 Qe8 9. Bg5. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A95.

What is the ECO code for the Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation?

The Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation is ECO A95. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation 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 d5 7. Nc3 c6 8. Qc2 Qe8 9. Bg5 at +0.45 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 Stonewall Variation, Chekhover Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.