French Rubinstein: 4...Bd7 5.Nf3 Bc6 6.Bd3 Nd7

French: Rubinstein, 4...Bd7 5.Nf3 Bc6 6.Bd3 Nd7

Definition

The sequence 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bd7 5. Nf3 Bc6 6. Bd3 Nd7 is a branch of the Rubinstein Variation of the French Defence. After Black exchanges on e4 on move three (the hallmark of the Rubinstein), 4…Bd7 starts a specific development scheme in which the c8-bishop first retreats to d7, then re-emerges on c6 to pressure e4 and look toward g2. The follow-up …Nd7 harmonises Black’s pieces, preparing …Ngf6 and …c5.

Typical Move Order

• 1. e4 e6
• 2. d4 d5
• 3. Nc3 dxe4 (Rubinstein Defence)
• 4. Nxe4 Bd7 (sidestepping the main 4…Nd7 and 4…Nf6 lines)
• 5. Nf3 Bc6 (probing the e4-knight)
• 6. Bd3 Nd7 (completing Black’s concept)

Strategic Ideas

For Black

• Pressure the e4-knight with …Bc6 and …Ngf6, sometimes provoking the structural concession c2-c3.
• Break in the centre with …c5 at an opportune moment, often after castling.
• Retain a solid, flexible pawn structure; the early trade on e4 reduces White’s space advantage.

For White

• Maintain the strong e4-knight and use it as a pivot for a kingside attack (e.g., Qe2, O-O, Re1).
• Exploit the temporary awkwardness of Black’s queenside pieces by rapid development (c4, Nc3, Re1).
• Consider the thematic sacrifice Bxh7+ if Black delays …Ngf6 and castling.

Historical Context

Polish legend Akiba Rubinstein popularised 3…dxe4 in the early 20th century, seeking positions with clear strategic plans and reduced early tactics. While Rubinstein often followed up with 4…Nd7, the Bd7–c6 manoeuvre was later analysed by theoreticians such as Georg Marco and gained practical traction in the 1970s–1980s when players like Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi looked for combative yet solid answers to 1.e4.

Usage in Contemporary Play

Although less common than 4…Nd7, the line remains a surprise weapon at all levels. Modern practitioners include Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Dmitry Andreikin, and correspondence specialists who appreciate its strategic soundness. The resulting positions are theoretically healthy for Black, with a reputation for leading to “playable equality”.

Illustrative Games

1. Korchnoi – Karpov, Moscow 1973
   Demonstrates Black’s maneuver …Ngf6, …Bd6, …c5 leading to a symmetrical but tense middlegame.
2. Caruana – Vachier-Lagrave, St. Louis 2015
   Shows White’s queenside expansion with c4 and a3, and Black’s timely …b5 break.

Quick reference diagram:

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The apparently “wasted” bishop moves (Bd7–c6) echoed Rubinstein’s love for piece-play over immediate pawn tension.
• In the 1962 Candidates tournament, Fischer examined this plan in his notebook but never employed it in a serious game.
• Computer engines initially disliked 4…Bd7, yet modern neural-net engines (e.g., Leela) evaluate it as fully playable, illustrating evolving opening assessments.

Quick Reference Plans

Black’s Procedural Blueprint

1. …Ngf6, castles short.
2. …c5 to hit the centre.
3. Reposition the queen (…Qd5 or …c7) and target g2 with the light-squared bishop.
4. Enter an endgame where the “bad” French bishop has become an asset.

With its mixture of solidity and latent dynamism, the French: Rubinstein 4…Bd7 5.Nf3 Bc6 6.Bd3 Nd7 is a fine choice for players who enjoy strategic manoeuvring and are happy to play for a long-term squeeze rather than immediate fireworks.