Theoria
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Dutch Defense

Stonewall Variation, Botvinnik Variation

A93positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4f5
  2. 2.c4Nf6
  3. 3.g3e6
  4. 4.Bg2Be7
  5. 5.Nf3O-O
  6. 6.O-Od5
  7. 7.b3
107 games51%42%

Stonewall Dutch line in which White plays 7. b3 to prepare Ba3 and trade off Black's dark-squared bishop, a positional fight over the e5 hole.

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About the Botvinnik Variation

With 7. b3 White prepares Ba3 to exchange Black's e7-bishop, the piece best placed to cover the dark squares around the e5 hole, while keeping c4 protected. Black usually replies 7...c6, rounding out the Stonewall setup; after 8. Ba3 the line has its own ECO code, A94. The more active 7...Ne4 is a much rarer choice. Engines give White a slight edge.

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