Dismantling the Dutch

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LavaRook

Hello, I'm wondering if I should look into anti-Dutch lines such as 2.Bg5 as white. Normally, I like playing main lines but I'm not sure if its really worth it for an opening like the Dutch. I want to stop Black's counterplay.

 Unlike say anti-Sicilians, it appears  that white can get an edge in the 2. Bg5 Anti-Dutch lines so maybe its worth a try rather than loading more theory when I already have to deal with reams of it with the Sicilian Najdorf as Black and even more as white with stuff like Bayonet Atk vs. KID list goes on...

It seems that only the Leningrad is avoidable though b/c of the 1...e6 move order for the other 2 so is it worth it? (And not too many people use the 1...g6 or 1...d6 move order right?)

And what setup is most challenging vs. the Stonewall? Is it the Bf4,b3, or Nc3 variation?

Been seeing more people playing the Dutch OTB now. Gotta be more prepared for it. Cox's 1.d4 book doesn't really help much vs. the Dutch....

BigTy

I think you should stick with the mainlines. As someone who has played the black side of the Leningrad for a while I feel as though the mainlines are more challenging if played right than 2.Bg5, although the latter is definitely a good anti-dutch system. I am playing 1.d4 as white and am learning the mainlines, and one of the main reasons for this is because of move orders like you said. Many dutch players start with 1...e6, so unless you want to play a french as white I suggest learning the mainlines.

Besides, if you have a good enough memory for tonnes of Najdorf and KID theory then adding the dutch into your knowledge base shouldn't be too hard. Or maybe you could learn the mainlines AND work on 2.Bg5 as a surprise weapon, you can never know too much...

DrSpudnik

Save Bg5 for pairings against idiots. That should throw them off. Better yet 2. Nc3 requires the d5 stonewall setup from Black or he gets into serious trouble. But for the best success over the long haul, play the main line stuff down to the middlegame. Expand on the Q-side/center and try to take advantge of the sore a2-g8 diagonal. You should be OK against most Dutch lines. I played the Dutch for ages and always did well against the move 2 nonsense lines.  

Oh yes, and I did eventually start using transpositional moves on move 1 before playing f5 just to frustrate these guys...though it was more of psychological chess than of any practical value.