Zukertort Opening
ECO A06 · Zukertort Opening
The Zukertort Opening (A06) is a chess opening in the Zukertort Opening family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5.
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5
About this opening
After 1.Nf3 d5 the Zukertort Opening shows the most flexible first move in chess: the knight controls e5 and d4 without committing any central pawn, while Black classically occupies the center. The position is a crossroads: 2.c4 leads to the Réti Opening, 2.b3 to the Nimzo-Larsen Attack and 2.d4 to Queen's Pawn openings. It is named after Johannes Zukertort, who contested the first official World Championship match against Steinitz in 1886. Ideal for players who value understanding plans over memorizing variations.