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Practice: Zukertort Variation

A flexible setup with b3 and Bb2

The Zukertort Variation fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop, adding pressure along the long diagonal.

1. d4 d5
2. Nf3 Nf6
3. e3 e6
4. b3 c5
5. Bb2 Nc6
6. Nbd2 Bd6
7. Bd3 O-O
8. O-O Qe7
9. c4 dxc4
10. bxc4 e5
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • White builds a solid pawn center with d4 and e3, supporting it with c3 and Nbd2
  • The light-squared bishop goes to d3, eyeing the h7 square
  • The typical attacking plan involves a kingside pawn storm with e4, and often sacrifices on h7

Common mistakes & traps

  • The Colle-Zukertort setup with b3 and Bb2 can catch Black off guard with pressure on the long diagonal
  • The classic Colle sacrifice on h7 (Bxh7+ Kxh7 Ng5+) leads to a devastating attack against an uncastled king

Pawn structure notes

White typically has pawns on d4, e3, and c3 forming a solid pyramid. The kingside is well-defended by the bishop on d3. After the e4 break, White often gets a strong center and kingside attacking chances.

Tips

  • The Bb2 fianchetto adds pressure on the long diagonal a1-h8
  • White's setup is more flexible than the traditional Colle
  • Black often challenges the center with ...c5 and ...e5

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.