E42
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System, Rubinstein Variation
Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3
The Rubinstein System (4.e3) is the most solid approach to the Nimzo-Indian. White accepts the potential doubled pawns in exchange for the bishop pair and solid development.
History & Notable Players
One of the most important variations in chess theory. The Hübner, Fischer, and Keres variations all arise from this move order.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
E40 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System76E41 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System152E43 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation214E44 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation122E45 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation, Fischer Variation102E46 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation464E47 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation131E48 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Ragozin Defense283E49 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System174
Best Games
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs So,W1-0
11th Sinquefield Cup • 2024★ Notable
Caruana,F vs So,W1-0
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs So,W1/2-1/2
85th Tata Steel Masters • 2023★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Anand,V0-1
20th Amber Rapid • 2011★ Notable
Shulman,Y vs Khalifman,A1-0
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Khalifman,A vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Portisch, Lajos1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1978★ Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
CCT Final KO 2024 • 2024
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Duda,J1-0
CrunchLab Masters Div 1 L • 2024
Ponomariov,R vs Duda,J0-1
World Blitz 2023 • 2023
Grischuk,A vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Levitov Chess Week Rapid • 2023
Caruana,F vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
SuperUnited Blitz 2023 • 2023
Giri,A vs So,W1/2-1/2
WR Chess Masters 2023 • 2023
Caruana,F vs So,W1-0
Titled Tue 31st Jan Early • 2023
Giri,A vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Meltwater Tour Final 2022 • 2022
Ivanchuk,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Julius Baer GenCup Prelim • 2022
Nihal,Sarin vs Keymer,Vincent1/2-1/2
54th Biel GM 2021 • 2021
Heimann,An vs Keymer,Vincent1/2-1/2
Germany Grand Prix 2021 • 2021