Category – Closed game

Opening movement sequence: 1 d4, 2 e3, 3 f4 and 4 c3, or similar.

ECO codes – D00, A03, A45

Stonewall Attack is more of a position White achieves than an opening with a specific sequence of moves. White places pawns on c3, d4, e3 and f4. In most cases, White will also place the bishop on d3. The same position can be reached from many different openings, coming under the Queen’s pawn game openings. It doesn’t matter how Black plays as White establishes this position. Black can also achieve a similar formation with pawns on c6, d5, e6 and f5 through the Dutch Defense.

Stonewall Attack, as you can guess from its name, is a highly defensible position. It also allows White the initiative to initiate a devastating attack if Black does not play carefully. The entire attack is carried out by taking the required pieces to specific positions instead of playing tactically to gain positional advantages as is the case in normal play. White’s attack will be characterized by the advance of the pawn on the g-file, moving the rook to h3 and a bishop sacrifice on h7. However, all this must be carried out in a timely manner. This attack on the Black King does not need the support of the White Knight and Bishop on the Queen’s side, so they generally do not develop.

The fact that Stonewall Attack is not based on tactical play means that it can be used with effect against chess computers, which generally analyze and evaluate their positions and move along tactical lines. Computer programs like that will likely lose the attack until you are on the right track.

The main weaknesses of the Stonewall Attack for White are the weak point on the e4 square and the non-development of the bishop on the queen’s side or White’s dark square. In fact, the bishop is enclosed by White’s own pawns.

The aforementioned weaknesses can be exploited by Black when defending against Stonewall Attack. If Black plays correctly, the effect on White will be so debilitating that this opening is hardly ever seen in tournaments today. However, it is played by lower-level players. On the other hand, the black equivalent of Stonewall Attack, the Stonewall Defense variation on Dutch defense is still played at all levels of chess.

Black’s options against Stonewall Attack include fianchettoing one or even both bishops and taking control of the center through pawns. Black can also play b6 followed by Ba6 to exchange White’s bishop on d3.

Stonewall Attack is difficult to classify under ECO or Encyclopedia of Chess Openings because that classification is based on the opening sequence of moves and Stonewall Attack does not have a specific sequence of moves. For example, it is included in both the Close Play opening D00 starting 1 d4 d5, as well as A03 and A45 as well, which deal with a Flank opening called the Bird Opening starting with 1 f4.