The Dutch Defence with 2.c4 arises after 1.d4 f5 2.c4. ECO code: A84.

Overview

White expands on the queenside with c4, controlling d5 and preparing Nc3. This is one of the main approaches against the Dutch Defence, typically leading to Classical or Stonewall structures.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White builds a strong queenside presence while preparing g3 and Bg2 to exploit the light-square weaknesses created by ...f5. Black should develop with ...Nf6, ...e6, and choose a setup: ...d5 (Stonewall), ...d6 and ...e5 (Classical), or ...g6 (Leningrad).