1.e4 — the open games
French Defence, Rubinstein Variation
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4ECO C10
Black resolves the central tension early with 3…dxe4, giving up the centre for a solid, low-risk position free of the French's usual bad-bishop problems. Long considered slightly passive, it's a rock-solid, easy-to-play system that's hard to beat and avoids heavy theory.
Key ideas
- Trading on e4 frees Black's game and sidesteps the locked structures where the light bishop suffers.
- Black develops smoothly with …Nd7, …Ngf6, …c5 and …Be7, aiming for comfortable equality.
- White keeps a small space edge; Black's job is careful, solid piece play toward a level middlegame.
Who it suits
Solid players who want a safe, low-theory French that avoids the bad-bishop headaches.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the French Defence, Rubinstein Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer