The Ziegler Defense is a variation of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO D00. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3 exf3 5. Nxf3 c6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted generally: ECO D00. A chess opening with 21 known variations.
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See all 21 Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted variations →
The Ziegler Defense goes 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3 exf3 5. Nxf3 c6. It is a variation of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO D00.
The Ziegler Defense is ECO D00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3 exf3 5. Nxf3 c6 at -0.63 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.