Rubinstein Variation

The Rubinstein Variation arises after 1. d4 f5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3. Instead of the usual kingside fianchetto, White brings the queen's knight out at once, adding control of e4, the square Black's first move was meant to dispute, and keeping the e2–e4 advance in view. Black's 2...e6 has already opened the f8–a3 diagonal, which gives the line its own character. The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings also attaches the Rubinstein name to 2...Nf6 3. Nc3, and 3...Nf6 here can transpose to it.

The most common reply by a wide margin is 3...Nf6, developing and covering e4. Roughly a quarter of games continue 3...Bb4, pinning the knight in Nimzo-Indian fashion so that White's pressure on e4 is reduced and Black can consider giving up the bishop for the knight. The Stonewall move 3...d5 is a rare alternative. The engine gives White a slight edge, while practical results are almost even, and draws are very rare, in keeping with the Dutch as a whole.