Sac to Attack! – The StoneWall Attack

This article is a summary, please visit William’s article on the Stonewall Attack on his website.

• Part 1 – Sac to Attack
• Part 2 – The Zukertort System
• Part 3 – Important Sidelines
• Part 4 – How to beat a Fiancheeto Defense (Coming Soon)

In part 1 of my 4 part Stonewall Attack Beginner Series, I will explain the classic Stonewall structure and plan. Stay tuned for the next 3 parts coming out soon. The Stonewall attack is a powerful opening play by white that puts immediate and consistent pressure on black and prevents black from controlling the center.

Prevent Black from playing e5!

White wants to control the dark squares in the center with his pawns, and balance this by controlling the central light squares with his minor pieces. It is very important to note that white must prevent black from playing e5 in the opening (4. f4!), which would give black a space advantage and excellent counterplay in the center.

Learn how to employ the Stonewall Attack in this Chess Video

This video applies the 3 Basic Principles of Opening Play to the Stonewall Attack

1. Control the Center (quickly establishing a bind on the dark squares with d4, e3, and f4 – and creating an excellent outpost on e5).

2. Develop Your Pieces Actively (compensate for the natural light-square weakness by deploying your pieces accurately – Bd3, Nd2, Nf3 –> Ne5, etc..)

3. Get Your King Safe! (castling is not a defensive move, it is a necessary step to guard your king before starting the attack)

This article is a summary, please visit William’s article on the Stonewall Attack on his website.

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William Stewart is a National Master. He specializes in Online Chess Coaching and maintains a daily updated Chess Blog