FENrnbqk2r/ppppp1bp/5np1/5pB1/2PP4/2N2N2/PP2PPPP/R2QKB1R b KQkq -
Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bg5: what should Black play?
Best move
Ne4+0.17
By jumping to e4, your e4 becomes a powerhouse in the center. It immediately creates tension by attacking the c3 and the g5, forcing White to address your activity before they can…
- Games played
- 417K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.17
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Ne4 is the best move
Ne4! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a high-level strategy that 99% of humans miss!
Why this move is excellent:
By jumping to e4, your e4 becomes a powerhouse in the center. It immediately creates tension by attacking the c3 and the g5, forcing White to address your activity before they can finish their own development.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Ne4 | +0.17 | Central Dominance: Forces trades and disrupts White's coordination. |
| c5 | +0.32 | Pawn Break: Challenges the center immediately to open lines for the pieces. |
Different paths, same destination: While most players at your level instinctively play O-O, that move is slightly passive. You chose the most ambitious path! Ne4 is a tactical approach that simplifies the position, whereas c5 is a classical strike against White's central control. Both are objectively excellent.
Your Continuation
After Ne4:
e3 Nxc3 bxc3 h6 Bh4
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the f6 was your most active piece and that e4 was a perfect "outpost." By occupying this square, you neutralize White's pressure on the kingside and prepare to damage their pawn structure if they capture your Knight.
📚 Takeaway: When you have a strong central outpost, don't be afraid to use it! Finding Ne4 shows you are looking for active counterplay rather than just following standard opening routines.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 417K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-O | +0.33 | 306K | 49% | |
| d6 | +0.41 | 94K | 48% | |
| c6 | +0.52 | 8.7K | 51% | |
| Ne4Engine pick | +0.17 | 7.7K | 40% | |
| c5 | +0.32 | 650 | 46% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Dutch: 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bg5?
Ne4 (+0.17). By jumping to e4, your e4 becomes a powerhouse in the center. It immediately creates tension by attacking the c3 and the g5, forcing White to address your activity before they can…
Why is Ne4 the best move here?
By jumping to e4, your e4 becomes a powerhouse in the center. It immediately creates tension by attacking the c3 and the g5, forcing White to address your activity before they can finish their own development.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 417K times in the opening book.