Stonewall Attack: Zukertort Variation (D00)

The Zukertort Variation is a variation of the Stonewall Attack, catalogued as ECO D00. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4 Bd6, reaching the position shown below after 10 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 White 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: Zukertort Variation — position after Bd6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4 Bd6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2e3Nf6
3Bd3c5
4c3e6
5f4Bd6

ECO: D00

Stockfish: -0.21 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Stonewall Attack lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Zukertort Variation?

The Zukertort Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4 Bd6. It is a variation of the Stonewall Attack and is catalogued as ECO D00.

What is the ECO code for the Zukertort Variation?

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

Is the Zukertort Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 e6 5. f4 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 Variation 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 White to move.