Stonewall Attack: Modern Move Order (D00)

The Modern Move Order is a variation of the Stonewall Attack, catalogued as ECO D00. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 d5 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Stonewall Attack generally: White builds a solid pawn wall on d4-e3-f4-c3 with the bishop on d3. A straightforward attacking system aimed at the kingside.

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.

Stonewall Attack: Modern Move Order — position after f4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 d5 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2e3d5
3Bd3c5
4c3e6
5f4

ECO: D00

Stockfish: -0.39 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Stonewall Attack lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Modern Move Order?

The Modern Move Order goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 d5 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4. It is a variation of the Stonewall Attack and is catalogued as ECO D00.

What is the ECO code for the Modern Move Order?

The Modern Move Order is ECO D00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Stonewall Attack.

Is the Modern Move Order good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. e3 d5 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4 at -0.39 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. 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 Modern Move Order 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 one minor pieces each. It is Black to move.