Chessy
Queen's Pawn Game: Veresov Attack, Dutch System — Black's guide
After 1.d4 f5 2.Nc3 d5, you are already in a flexible but slightly uneasy fight. White has several natural moves, and the most common one is the engine’s top choice too. Your job in the drill is simple: meet White’s setup with calm development, keep your structure solid, and be ready when the position opens. This page shows what the statistics say, which move the engine likes, and which White tries you should expect most often.
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Create a free account →What this opening is asking from Black
This opening starts as a Dutch structure with an extra twist: White develops the knight early with Nc3, aiming to pressure the centre quickly. For Black, the key lesson is that the position is still playable, but you do not get to ignore White’s activity. Your pieces should come out smoothly, and your pawn structure needs to stay coordinated. If you drift, White’s lead in development and space can become annoying very fast.
The main move to know
The engine’s best move here is Bf4, and the recommended continuation is Bf4 e6 e3 Nf6. That tells you what kind of position the drill is steering toward: sensible development, central control, and king safety. As Black, you should treat this as a move-order problem where one accurate reply helps you equalise the pressure rather than chase tactics. The point is not to memorise a long line, but to recognise the setup and respond in a principled way.
What the numbers say
Stockfish rates this +0.28, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here.
The practical results are very close, which is exactly what you would expect from an opening that can become sharp but is still early in the game. Across 104,406 games at this exact position, White wins 48.9%, draws 3.9%, and Black wins 47.2%. Those numbers say the position is playable, but White has just a little more room to press.
White’s most common tries
You need to be ready for more than one plan, because White has several popular continuations.
- Bf4 is the main road, with 46,338 games and White scoring 50.8%.
- Nf3 appears in 21,772 games, with White scoring 47.0%.
- e3 shows up in 9,516 games, with White scoring 45.2%.
- f3 appears in 7,271 games, with White scoring 50.1%.
- Bg5 is seen in 4,169 games, with White scoring 52.3%.
- e4 appears in 3,746 games, with White scoring 50.6%.
That spread tells you the opening is not a one-move trick. White can choose a quiet development plan, a more aggressive setup, or direct central play, so your drill should focus on recognising the structure rather than hunting for a single forced sequence.
Results across 104,406 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bf4 | 46,338 | 50.8% |
| Nf3 | 21,772 | 47.0% |
| e3 | 9,516 | 45.2% |
| f3 | 7,271 | 50.1% |
| Bg5 | 4,169 | 52.3% |
| e4 | 3,746 | 50.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Pawn Game: Veresov Attack, Dutch System good for Black?
It is playable, but the engine gives White a small edge with +0.28. The results are close, so you are not lost, but you should expect White to have the easier game if you become passive.
What is the engine’s best move in this position?
The engine’s best move is Bf4, and the listed continuation is Bf4 e6 e3 Nf6. That is the main setup the drill is built around, so it is worth learning the ideas behind it rather than only the move itself.
What should I expect White to play most often?
The most-played move is Bf4, with 46,338 games. Other common tries are Nf3, e3, f3, Bg5, and e4, so you should be ready for a range of development plans.
Does the database suggest Black can hold this position?
Yes, Black scores 47.2% in 104,406 games at this exact position, with only 3.9% draws recorded in the database sample. The practical message is that the position is playable, but White has a small pull and you need accurate development.
How many games feature the Queen's Pawn Game: Veresov Attack, Dutch System?
Over 104K Lichess games have reached the Queen's Pawn Game: Veresov Attack, Dutch System position. White wins 48.9%, Black wins 47.2%, with 3.9% draws — based on real rated games.