Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense is a solid, classical response to White's center. In the Rubinstein Attack, White seeks to clarify the central tension early, aiming for a structured advantage. Black's goal is to maintain a sturdy pawn chain while preparing a liberating counter-strike in the center.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. This move leads to more positional and closed games compared to the open tactical nature of king's pawn openings.

1... d5Black · your move

Respond by moving your pawn to d5. This mirrors White's control of the center and prevents White from easily pushing a pawn to e4 next move.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, a flexible developing move. Instead of this, White often tries the London System with Bf4 or even the aggressive Blackmar-Diemer Gambit by pushing e4 immediately.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... Nf6Black · your move

Bring your knight to f6. You are developing a key defender for your king's side and adding more pressure to the d5 and e4 squares.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation) · c5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Krause Variation) · Bf5 (Queen's Pawn: 2.Nf3 Bf5) · Bg4 (Queen's Pawn: 2.Nf3 Bg4)

3. c4White

White plays c4, initiating the Queen's Gambit. White has other setups like the Torre Attack with Bg5 or the Colle System with e3, but this is the most ambitious challenge.

Other paths here: Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: London System) · g3 (Queen's Pawn Game: Symmetrical Variation, Pseudo-Catalan) · c3 (Queen's Pawn: 3.c3) · Bg5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Torre Attack)

3... e6Black · your move

Support your center by moving your pawn to e6. This solidifies your d5 pawn and prepares to develop your dark-squared bishop, entering the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Other paths here: b5 (Queen's Pawn Game: Zilbermints Countergambit) · dxc4 (Queen's Gambit Accepted, Deferred) · c6 (Semi-Slav Defense: Stonewall Defense)

4. Nc3White

White develops Nc3, putting immediate pressure on the d5 point. This is the most natural developing square for the knight in almost all Queen's Gambit variations.

4... Be7Black · your move

Slide your bishop to e7. This quiet developing move prepares for kingside castling and avoids any immediate pins on your knight at f6.

5. Bg5White

White plays Bg5, creating a pesky pin. While White could develop the bishop to f4, this pin is the most classical way to create tension in the Queen's Gambit.

5... O-OBlack · your move

Castle your king to the kingside. This tucks your king away to safety and brings your rook closer to the center of the board.

6. e3White

White plays e3, solidifying the center. This creates a very strong pawn chain, though it does block the dark-squared bishop if it hadn't already moved to g5.

6... Nbd7Black · your move

Develop your knight to d7. This knight will support the f6 knight and eventually help facilitate the c5 or e5 pawn breaks.

7. Rc1White

White plays Rc1, preparing for the opening of the c-file. White could also try the Rauzer Variation with Qb3, but the rook move is more patient and positional.

Other paths here: Qb3 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rauzer Variation)

7... c6Black · your move

Support your center with c6. This move creates a rock-solid pawn triangle and prepares for your queen to move to a5 or your knight to b6.

8. Qc2White

White plays Qc2, a flexible and strong square. White also frequently plays Bd3 here, known as the Janowski Variation, to immediately target the kingside.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Janowski Variation)

8... a6Black · your move

Push your pawn to a6. You are preparing to expand on the queenside with b5, which can help you challenge White's control of the c-file.

9. cxd5White

White plays cxd5, the Rubinstein Attack. This trade changes the pawn structure and forces Black to recapture, often leading to a Carlsbad pawn structure with clear plans for both.

Where you stand

The position has transformed into a Carlsbad structure. White will likely pursue a minority attack on the queenside with b4-b5 to create weaknesses. Black should aim for kingside play or a timely e5 break to challenge White's center. Both sides must carefully manage their minor piece trades to favor their respective pawn plans.

• f1-d3 Develop bishop to target kingside
• e6-d5 Recapture with pawn to maintain center
• b2-b4 Begin minority attack on queenside
• f6-e4 Knight jump to challenge center