Stonewall vs the fianchetto (b6/Bb7 plan) is variation 1 of 6 in the Dutch Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A90). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 d5 …. The modern Stonewall against White's main set-up with g3 and Bg2. Black builds the c6-d5-e6-f5 wall, puts the queen on e7 and solves the light-squared bishop problem with ...b6 and ...Bb7. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre and frees the c1 bishop.
1... f5 – The Dutch: Black grabs control of e4 with a pawn and signals kingside ambitions.
2. c4 – White gains space on the queenside and prepares Nc3 to fight for e4 and d5.
2... Nf6 – Develops and adds a second guard to e4.
3. g3 – White fianchettoes so the g2 bishop presses on e4 and d5, the squares Black wants.
3... e6 – Opens the f8 bishop and prepares ...d5 to complete the Stonewall.
4. Bg2 – The bishop eyes the long diagonal towards d5 and b7.
4... d5 – Builds the Stonewall: d5 and f5 together give the e4 square to Black for good.
5. Nf3 – Develops and eyes e5, the hole in Black's camp that White wants to occupy.
5... c6 – Completes the wall: c6 supports d5 so White's c4 pressure leads nowhere.
6. O-O – White castles before deciding on b3 or Bf4.
6... Bd6 – The best square for the bishop: it controls e5, the square White's knight wants.
7. b3 – Prepares Bb2 or Ba3 to trade Black's good dark-squared bishop.
7... Qe7 – Stops Ba3 (the bishop on d6 is now defended twice) and keeps an eye on e5 and the kingside.
8. Bb2 – Puts the bishop on the long diagonal, aiming at e5 and the kingside.
8... O-O – Black castles, keeping the f-file ready for a later ...Rf6-h6 swing.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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