The risk in a Dutch may not be so much the main lines, but the numerous sidelines, almost all of which are somewhere between playable and good and in some cases lead to bizarre positions. To avoid these, some players who use the French will meet 1. d4 with 1. .. e6 which cuts down the number of side variations they need to know. If Leningrad players are also prepared to play the Modern, they can start with 1. .. d6 or 1. .. g6.Jonathan Bryant wrote: If not too risky against a recently deposed World Champ then surely not too risky for club chessers.
I was marginally tricked recently in a game that started 1. Nf3 g6 2. g3 Bg7 3. d4 d6 4. Bg2 f5. I don't particularly mind facing the Leningrad but I had expected a Kings Indian.
We've also seen Magnus playing the .. a6 Modern although why he thought sacrificing against White's h3, g4 plan has yet to be revealed.
