Play the Dutch Defense: Korchnoi Attack as White

Stockfish rates this +0.42, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here. Across 69,156 games at this exact position, White wins 52.4%, draws 3.5%, and Black wins 44.1%. So this is not a wild gambit or a speculative trap; it is a playable position where White has the better practical chances and Black still has resources. Your job in the drill is to keep that edge by choosing sensible development and not letting Black equalise too easily.

The engine’s best move here is e6, and the listed continuation is e6 Bf4 Nf6 e3. That tells you what Black is trying to do: develop smoothly and meet your unusual h-pawn move with solid moves rather than panic. Against that kind of setup, you should stay calm and continue with normal opening ideas. Bring pieces out, support the centre, and keep your king safe. The opening works best when you use the extra tempo on h3 to build a comfortable structure, not to launch an attack too early.

The most-played continuation is Nf6, with 47,641 games. Other common replies are e6 with 10,361 games, d5 with 3,445 games, g6 with 2,884 games, d6 with 1,702 games, and b6 with 903 games. That spread is useful for training: Black does not have just one defence to learn, so this drill helps you recognise the position’s character rather than memorise a single line. If you understand the plans behind these moves, you will be ready for the most common practical choices.

This opening suits White players who want a safe extra move before committing the king’s bishop or knight. It is a good choice if you like quiet pressure, flexible development, and positions where Black has to prove equality. Because the evaluation is only a small edge, you should not expect instant tactics every game. Instead, look for healthy piece play and a stable centre. If you enjoy outplaying your opponent in the middlegame rather than memorising sharp theory, this is a sensible weapon.