Theoria
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Dutch Defense

Leningrad Variation, Carlsbad Variation

A81offbeat

  1. 1.d4f5
  2. 2.g3g6
  3. 3.Bg2Bg7
  4. 4.Nh3
16 games56%44%

A rare Leningrad Dutch sideline in which White fianchettoes without c4 and develops the king's knight to h3 instead of f3, keeping the long diagonal open.

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About the Carlsbad Variation

The Carlsbad Variation is a rarely played branch of the Leningrad Dutch in which White fianchettoes without c2-c4 and develops the king's knight with 4. Nh3 rather than to f3. On h3 the knight leaves the g2-bishop's diagonal unobstructed and can head for f4, while the f-pawn remains free to advance. Black most often answers 4...Nf6, with 4...d6 and 4...Nc6 the other choices. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations