Rubinstein Opening · D05
Main line
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3 c5 4. Bd3 d5 5. b3
In the centre, White holds d4 while Black holds d5.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the d4 pawn. Theory calls this the Knights Variation.
- 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 6 in the Rubinstein Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.