Stonewall Attack

The Stonewall Attack (ECO code D00) is a chess opening that begins with 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. f4. White builds a solid pawn formation on c3-d4-e3-f4. The f4-pawn supports an attack on the kingside. Easy to set up against many Black defenses. A great weapon for improving players.

The main line of the Stonewall Attack is 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. f4. It is classified under ECO code D00 and falls in the Closed Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.

The Stonewall Attack is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to closed game positions. The main line (1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. f4) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.

The Stonewall Attack is classified as ECO code D00. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.

Use chess.rodeo for full Stockfish analysis of your Stonewall Attack games — no account required, no daily cap, no paywall. Paste your PGN and get instant engine evaluation on every move, including the opening phase. For move-by-move replay without engine output, use our free PGN viewer. Both are completely free with no signup.