E41

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

Caruana,F vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son vs So,W1/2-1/2
WCh-Junior • 2008★ Notable
Jussupow, Artur vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Dortmund • 1994★ Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Karpov, Anatoly0-1
Linares • 1991★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Hellers, Ferdinand1-0
Wch U20 • 1987★ Notable
Portisch, Lajos vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Rio de Janeiro Interzonal • 1979★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James0-1
World Championship 28th • 1972★ Notable
Schweber, Samuel vs Portisch, Lajos1-0
Wch U20 prel-B • 1955★ Notable
Bronstein, David I vs Keres, Paul1-0
Gothenburg Interzonal • 1955★ Notable
Roessel, Fritz vs Larsen, Bent0-1
Wch U20 fin-B • 1953★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Caruana,F1-0
CCT Final Survival Winner • 2023
Carlsen,M vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Aimchess Rapid KO • 2022
So,W vs Rapport,R1-0
GCT Rapid Paris 2021 • 2021
Edouard,R vs Short,N1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open • 2012
Baburin,A vs Korchnoi,V1/2-1/2
38th Olympiad • 2008
Gelfand, Boris vs Short, Nigel D1-0
Dos Hermanas • 1997
Timman, Jan H vs Adianto, Utut0-1
Biel • 1995
Jussupow, Artur vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Madrid • 1995
Jussupow, Artur vs Epishin, Vladimir0-1
Dortmund • 1994
Kamsky, Gata vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Candidats FIDE sf1 • 1994

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