Stonewall Defense

The Stonewall Defense plants a knight on e4 with 5...Ne4 and supports it with 6...f5. Black's pawns on c6, d5, e6 and f5 then form the Stonewall chain familiar from the Dutch Defense. Black secures e4 and gains kingside attacking prospects but concedes a hole on e5 and keeps a passive light-squared bishop. The engine gives White a slight edge. 7. O-O is the usual reply, while 7. Ne5 occupies the outpost at once. The line is rarely played.