Classical Variation, Ilyin-Zhenevsky Variation, Winter Variation
- 1.d4f5
- 2.c4Nf6
- 3.g3e6
- 4.Bg2Be7
- 5.Nf3O-O
- 6.O-Od6
- 7.Nc3Qe8
- 8.Re1
153 games
The Winter Variation of the Classical Dutch: White meets the Ilyin-Zhenevsky 7...Qe8 with 8. Re1, preparing the central advance e4.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Winter Variation
The Winter Variation is White's 8. Re1 against the Ilyin-Zhenevsky setup and the most frequent reply to 7...Qe8. The rook backs the e4 advance, aiming to open the center before Black's queen can join a kingside attack. Black most often answers 8...Ne4, occupying the contested square, or 8...Qg6. Both have scored well for Black in online games, whereas 8...Qh5 has fared poorly. Engines give White a slight edge.