Colle System Guide

The Colle System is a chess opening for white that starts with the moves d4, Nf3, and e3. Since it is a system, it can be played against virtually anything that black decides to play. It is a simple, low-theory easy-to-play opening, perfect for amateur and club players who seek a straightforward chess opening that doesn’t require much study or preparation. The Colle System is not usually seen at elite level, although is a perfectly sound opening that will serve you well.

Main Ideas in the Colle System

One of the main ideas in the Colle System is to expand in the center with e4. Other ideas are to launch a kingside attack, and to develop the dark-squared bishop with a fianchetto on b2. The Colle System is solid and is almost always played in the same way. That’s one of the reasons why it is so popular at club level, and why it is a good system to choose if what you are looking for is easy play and a more relaxed start of the game.

Most Played Moves in the Colle System

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 e6

This is the most typical start to the Colle System, although there are many different ways it can be reached.

4.Bd3 c5

While white keeps developing pieces, black decides to strike in the center with c5.

5.c3 Nc6

White continues playing in a very passive but solid way.

6.Nbd2 Bd6

White prepares the typical e4 move while black keeps developing pieces.

7.O-O O-O

8.dxc5 Bxc5

9.e4

Colle-Koltanowski System

The Colle-Koltanowski System is the same we just saw in the section above. This variation happens when white plays e3, Bd3, and c3. After the move 9.e4, that we saw earlier, play can continue with 9…Qc7 10.Qe2 Bd6

11.Re1 Ng4 12.h3 Nge5

13.Nxe5 Nxe5 14.exd5 exd5 15.Nf3

Colle-Zukertort System

There is another way to play the Colle System that is with the dark-squared bishop on b2. This variation is called Colle-Zukertort System and usually goes like this:

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 e6

4.Bd3 c5

5.b3 Nc6

6.O-O Bd6

7.Bb2 O-O 8.Nbd2

Model Games

Related Chess Courses

Win with Colle System with GM Miloje Ratkovic

Colle-Zukertort System for White with IM Marcin Sieciechowicz

Other Chess Articles

Queen's Indian Defense Guide

Budapest Gambit Guide

Benoni Defense Guide

D04 Sub-variants:

• Queen's pawn game
  1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3