French Defense: Rubinstein Variation
ECO C10 · French Defense · solid · intermediate
The French Defense: Rubinstein Variation (C10) is a solid chess opening in the French Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4. Black takes on e4. Frees the position but gives White the center. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4
About this opening
The Rubinstein Variation (3...dxe4) deliberately gives up the center for easy development and a structure without weaknesses: after White recaptures, Black plays ...Nd7, ...Ngf6 and ...c5 in a spirit of solidity. Slightly passive, it is on the other hand very hard to crack and makes for a reliable drawing weapon. Akiba Rubinstein, a master of the endgame, showed its strategic value.