Against the Dutch (...f5) is variation 5 of 6 in the London System course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO A80). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. d4 f5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 b6 …. Against 1...f5 the London bishop still goes to f4 and controls e5, the square Black's Dutch structure weakens. White builds e3, Bd3, Nbd2, h3, castles and prepares a central break with Qe2 and e4, or c4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – Takes the centre.
1... f5 – The Dutch: Black controls e4 from the side but weakens the e8-h5 diagonal and the e5 square.
2. Bf4 – The bishop eyes e5, the hole created by ...f5, and avoids being shut in by e3.
2... Nf6 – Black develops and controls e4 again.
3. e3 – Supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop toward d3, where it presses against f5.
3... e6 – Opens the f8 bishop and covers d5.
4. Nf3 – Develops and adds a guard to e5.
4... b6 – Prepares ...Bb7 to add more control of e4.
5. Bd3 – The bishop presses on f5 and supports a later e4 break.
5... Bb7 – The bishop joins the fight for e4.
6. Nbd2 – Supports e4 and keeps the c-pawn free.
6... Be7 – Prepares to castle.
7. h3 – Gives the f4 bishop a retreat on h2 and stops ...Nh5 hitting it.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. O-O – White castles; the king is safe and the rooks connect.
8... c5 – Black hits d4 from the side for queenside space.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM