Barcza Variation
- 1.d4f5
- 2.Nf3Nf6
- 3.c3
2,106 games
A quiet Dutch Defense line in which White meets 2...Nf6 with 3. c3, bolstering d4 rather than playing c4; positional and roughly balanced.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Barcza Variation
The Barcza Variation, 3. c3, is a modest reply to the Dutch Defense. White supports d4 with the c-pawn instead of advancing it to c4, which keeps the center compact. Black most often answers 3...e6. The second choice is 3...g6, aiming for a Leningrad-style setup, while 3...d5 is a less common option. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and White scores slightly better in practice.