Queen's Pawn Game · D05
Zukertort Variation, after 2... c5
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 c5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nbd2 e6 5. b3
In the centre, White holds d4 while Black holds d5.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the d4 pawn. Theory calls this the Zukertort Variation.
- 2... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve. Theory calls this the Krause Variation.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 82 in the Queen's Pawn Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.