Rubinstein Opening: Zukertort Attack (D05)

The Zukertort Attack is a variation of the Rubinstein Opening, catalogued as ECO D05. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2 Bd6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 White to move after six moves.

On the Rubinstein Opening generally: ECO D05. A chess opening with 6 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.

Rubinstein Opening: Zukertort Attack — position after Bd6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2 Bd6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2Nf3Nf6
3e3e6
4Bd3c5
5b3Nc6
6Bb2Bd6

ECO: D05

Stockfish: +0.21 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Rubinstein Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Zukertort Attack?

The Zukertort Attack goes 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2 Bd6. It is a variation of the Rubinstein Opening and is catalogued as ECO D05.

What is the ECO code for the Zukertort Attack?

The Zukertort Attack is ECO D05. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Rubinstein Opening.

Is the Zukertort Attack good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 Nc6 6. Bb2 Bd6 at +0.21 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 Zukertort Attack 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 White to move.