Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation

When playing as White, the move d4 is a popular choice to control the center of the board and gain space. By placing a pawn on d4, White immediately stakes his claim to the e5 and c5 squares while also allowing his Bishop on c1 to be developed. This pawn also supports the development of the Queen's Knight on c3. In sum, the aim of playing d4 is to create a strong position in the center and prepare for future attacks.

Playing f5 as Black after 1. d4 is a bold move that challenges White's control of the center. By advancing this pawn to the fifth rank, Black aims to control the e4 and g4 squares and prevent White from advancing their pawns further. Additionally, f5 opens up lines for Black's Bishop on c8 to be developed. However, playing f5 also weakens Black's King's position, leaving it susceptible to future attacks. In sum, Black's move aims to counter White's aggression in the center while simultaneously creating new opportunities for their own pieces.

Playing c4 as White after 1. d4 f5 is a logical move that aims to further establish control over the center. With this pawn move, White immediately attacks Black's f5 pawn, forcing Black to either retreat their pawn or further commit to its advancement. Additionally, c4 supports the development of White's Queen's Knight on c3, and White may look to eventually establish a pawn chain with pawns on c4 and d4 to control more space on the board. In sum, the move c4 is a flexible response that allows White to continue to build a strong position in the opening while exerting pressure on Black's pawn structure.

In the Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation, playing Nf6 after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 is a common move for Black. By developing this Knight, Black increases the pressure on White's central pawns while also preparing to castle Kingside. Nf6 also allows other pieces to be developed, such as the dark-squared Bishop on c8. Additionally, the Knight on f6 may be able to move to g4 in certain variations, attacking the pawn on e3 and potentially forcing White to weaken their King's position. In sum, playing Nf6 is a natural and flexible move that allows Black to continue to develop their pieces while putting pressure on White's position.

Playing g3 as White after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 is a developing move that prepares to fianchetto the Bishop on g2. By placing this Bishop on the long diagonal, White takes aim at Black's King's position while also strengthening control over the central dark squares. Additionally, the pawn on g3 guards against potential Knight jumps to f4, further preventing any attacks on White's position. Playing g3 is also useful for getting the King's Bishop out of the pawn chain and potentially connecting Rooks on the first rank. In sum, playing g3 is a flexible move that prepares for future attacks while developing White's pieces.

Playing e6 as Black after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 is a logical move that prepares to develop the dark-squared Bishop on c8 while providing additional support to the pawn on d5. With this move, Black also aims to control the e5 square and limit any advances by White's pawns. Additionally, the pawn on e6 can support a Knight on d7 via f6, further reinforcing Black's position. In sum, e6 is a flexible and useful move that prepares for future development while solidifying Black's pawn structure in the center.

In the Dutch Defense: Nimzo-Dutch Variation, playing Bg2 as White after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 is a logical move that completes the fianchetto of the King's Bishop. By placing the Bishop on g2, White attacks the pawn on f5 while preparing to castle Kingside. Additionally, the Bishop on g2 has potential to control the central light squares and participate in future attacks on Black's position. Playing Bg2 also helps to connect White's Rooks and increases the flexibility of their position. In sum, playing Bg2 is a natural and useful move that helps to establish a strong and dynamic position for White.

Playing Bb4+ as Black after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 is a common move that puts pressure on White's position and prepares Black for castle Kingside. This move also attempts to force a Knight to move, either to d2 or f3, which may disrupt White's plans and make it more difficult to fully develop their position. Additionally, Bb4+ is an attacking move that forces White to make a defensive move, which may give Black a tempo advantage. However, playing Bb4+ also risks losing the Bishop if White chooses to capture it with their Knight. In sum, playing Bb4+ is a flexible and tactical move that aims to disrupt White's position while preparing for future development.