Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense

The Rubinstein Defense, also known as the Rubinstein Variation, answers the Central Variation's 3. e4 with 3...c5, striking at d4 before White has finished developing. Black does not contest e4 with ...e5, as in the McDonnell Defense. Instead, the c-pawn undermines the base of White's center. Black accepts doubled c-pawns for the time being while keeping the extra pawn on c4.

The most common reply is 4. d5, which gains space and closes the center. The resulting positions resemble the Benoni: White's pawns stand on d5 and e4 against Black's queenside majority, and White usually recovers c4 later with the bishop. Black can prop up the c4-pawn with the b-pawn in the Yefimov Gambit, 4. d5 b5. Less frequent are 4. Nf3, which brings a piece into play, and 4. Bxc4, which regains the pawn immediately. The engine also considers 4. dxc5. Its overall assessment is a slight edge for White, who scores well in online games, although Black fares somewhat better after 4. Bxc4.