Colle System: Colle-Zukertort (A04)

The Colle-Zukertort is a variation of the Colle System, catalogued as ECO A04. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Colle System generally: ECO A04. A chess opening with 3 known variations.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Colle System: Colle-Zukertort — position after Bb2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2Nf3Nf6
3e3e6
4Bd3c5
5b3Nc6
6Bb2

ECO: A04

Stockfish: +0.19 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Colle System lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Colle-Zukertort?

The Colle-Zukertort goes 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2. It is a variation of the Colle System and is catalogued as ECO A04.

What is the ECO code for the Colle-Zukertort?

The Colle-Zukertort is ECO A04. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Colle System.

Is the Colle-Zukertort good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2 at +0.19 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.

What kind of position does the Colle-Zukertort lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.