E40

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System

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.

Best Games

Darga, Klaus vs Larsen, Bent1-0
Wch U20 qual • 1953★ Notable
Badacsonyi,Stanley vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
15th London Classic Open • 2025
Caruana,F vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
chess.com SpeedChess 2022 • 2022
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Gukesh,D1-0
chess.com Junior Speed • 2020
Duda,J vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
Online Olym KO Stage 2020 • 2020
Nakamura,Hi vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
5th Kings Tournament • 2011
Korchnoi,V vs Karpov,Ana1/2-1/2
4th Pivdenny Bank Chess Cup • 2008
Lautier, Joel vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
Amber-blind 5th • 1996
Spassky, Boris V vs Bronstein, David I1/2-1/2
Moscow zt • 1964
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Fischer, Robert James1-0
Candidats Tournament • 1959
Smyslov, Vassily vs Keres, Paul1-0
URS-ch20 • 1952
Euwe, Max vs Capablanca, Jose Raul1/2-1/2
Amsterdam m3 • 1931
Lobanov,Sergei vs Duda,J1-0
World Blitz 2025 • 2025
Reshetnikov,Al vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Titled Tue 18th Mar Early • 2025
Lu,Xiahan (Luna) vs Caruana,F0-1
Titled Tue 9th Jul Early • 2024
Bluebaum,M vs Caruana,F0-1
Chess.com Classic Play-In • 2024
So,W vs Hakobyan,Aram1/2-1/2
American Cup Blitz 2024 • 2024
Indjic,A vs Carlsen,M0-1
World Blitz 2023 • 2023
Ponomariov,R vs Savchenko,B1/2-1/2
World Blitz 2023 • 2023
Ivanchuk,V vs Drygalov,Andrey0-1
Titled Tue 26th Dec Early • 2023

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