Zukertort Opening: The Walrus — how to play Black

After the opening moves, White has chosen an aggressive path and Black has recaptured with dxc6. The resulting position is White to move, and the main question is whether Black can keep the pieces active enough to justify the structure. Stockfish rates this +1.40, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you are worse here, so your job is to find the most practical defence and avoid drifting into an even more comfortable game for your opponent.

The engine’s best move here is e4, and the continuation given is e4 Bc5 Nc3 Nf6. That tells you the kind of play White is aiming for: direct central space and quick development. As Black, you should expect White to use this position to build initiative rather than to nurse a slow advantage. In the drill, pay attention to how the activity of your pieces can still create counterplay even when the evaluation is against you.

This exact position has been reached in 200,047 games in the Lichess database, so the practical picture is very clear. White’s most common continuations are d4 in 52,611 games, g3 in 44,149 games, e4 in 37,537 games, Nc3 in 21,905 games, e3 in 18,354 games, and d3 in 10,995 games. The broad theme is simple: White has several natural developing moves, and you need a setup that does not lose to any of them by force.

Do not think of this as a trap to memorise. Think of it as a position where White already has the more pleasant game, and your practical goal is to stay organised. Be ready for central expansion, quick development, and simple piece play from White. When the engine continues with e4, it is showing the kind of direct pressure you should be prepared to answer. Focus on piece activity, king safety, and avoiding passive play that lets White convert the advantage too smoothly.