A81

Dutch Defense: Leningrad, Basman System

Chess diagram: Dutch Defense: Leningrad, Basman System after 5…Nh6

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Statistics from Lichess

161 games: White 42.2% / Draw 8.7% / Black 49.1%

The moves played next. Pick one to see it on the board.
Next moveGamesWhite / Draw / BlackW / D / B
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2323
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44
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44
33
22

Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 28, 2026

Engine evaluation

+0.66 White is slightly better

Best play: 6. c4 d5 7. Bxh6 Bxh6 8. e3 dxc4 9. Nbd2 Be6 10. Qc2 O-O

Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.

Overview

Dutch Defense: Leningrad, Basman System (ECO A81, Flank Openings) is a variation of the Dutch Defense: Fianchetto Attack, reached after 1. d4 f5 2. g3 c6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. O-O Nh6 (5 moves).

In 161 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 42.2%, Black 49.1% and 8.7% were drawn. White's most played move here is 6. c4, in 63% of those games.

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Cite this page

Caissa Codex. “Dutch Defense: Leningrad, Basman System (A81)”. Lichess data as of 28 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/dutch-defense-leningrad-basman-system