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Dutch Defense: what should White play?
Best move
Be2+0.45
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development. This move prepares for O-O while keeping the e2 tucked away safely, avoiding potential harassment from Black's minor pieces…
- Games played
- 1.13M
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.45
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Be2 is the best move
Be2! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 5 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development. This move prepares for O-O while keeping the e2 tucked away safely, avoiding potential harassment from Black's minor pieces while maintaining control over the h5 and g4 squares.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Be2 | +0.45 | Prophylactic: Solid development that keeps the position flexible. |
| Nf3 | +0.43 | Classical: The most natural developing move, controlling the center. |
| h3 | +0.42 | Patient: Prevents any Ng4 ideas and prepares a safe retreat for the f4. |
| Bd3 | +0.35 | Active: Places the Bishop on a more aggressive diagonal toward the Kingside. |
| Bc4 | +0.31 | Pressure: Targets the f7 weakness and controls the center. |
Different paths, same destination: This is a rare moment where chess is an art of choice! While 29% of players instinctively choose the standard Nf3, your choice of Be2 is actually the engine's top preference. Whether you prefer the solidity of Be2 or the directness of Bc4, White maintains a comfortable edge in all these lines.
Your Continuation
After Be2:
Be7 c4 O-O Nf3 b6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That there was no rush to commit the Knight. By developing the e2 first, you keep Black guessing about your setup while ensuring your King reaches safety quickly. Finding this move is impressive, as 0% of human players at this level typically choose it over the more common alternatives!
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style—whether you choose the engine's subtle favorite or a classical developing move, you are in total control!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 1.13M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nf3 | +0.43 | 712K | 51% | |
| Bd3 | +0.35 | 199K | 51% | |
| h3 | +0.42 | 117K | 51% | |
| Be2Engine pick | +0.45 | 84K | 51% | |
| Bc4 | +0.31 | 20K | 50% |
More positions in the Dutch Defense
- Best moveNf3Knight g1 → f3Dutch Defense22M games
- Best moveg6Pawn g7 → g6Dutch Defense: Hopton Attack1.11M games
- Best moveBb4+Bishop f8 → b4Dutch Defense: Fianchetto Variation337K games
- Best moveNxe4Knight c3 → e4Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit278K games
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Dutch Defense244K games
- Best moveBxf6Bishop g5 → f6Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit127K games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Dutch Defense?
Be2 (+0.45). By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development. This move prepares for O-O while keeping the e2 tucked away safely, avoiding potential harassment from Black's minor pieces…
Why is Be2 the best move here?
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development. This move prepares for O-O while keeping the e2 tucked away safely, avoiding potential harassment from Black's minor pieces while maintaining control over the h5 and g4 squares.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 1.13M times in the opening book.