QGD Orthodox Rubinstein Attack 8...dxc4

QGD: Orthodox, Rubinstein Attack, 8...dxc4

Definition

This line belongs to the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD), Orthodox Defence. White adopts the Rubinstein set-up (Qc2 + Rd1) and Black answers with the immediate pawn capture 8 …dxc4. A typical move-order is:

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Qc2 c6 8. Rd1 dxc4

Black gives up the centre for a moment to challenge it later with …b5, …Bb7 and a timely …c5, while White aims for the central break e4 and lasting space advantage.

Strategic Themes

Pawn Structure: White’s healthy pawn duo on d4-e3 fights Black’s queenside minority (…b5–b4, …c5).
Bishop Activity: The g5-bishop (later on h4 or f4) restricts …e6-e5; Black often exchanges the c8-bishop via …b5 and …Bb7.
Central Breaks: White prepares e3-e4 or d4-d5; Black counters with …c5 or …b4.
Piece Play: Knights commonly land on e5/d6 for White and d5/c4 for Black, creating rich middlegame imbalances.

Historical Significance

Akiba Rubinstein introduced the quiet Qc2-Rd1 plan at the beginning of the 20^th century, showing that patient pressure could squeeze the Orthodox Defence. The specific reaction 8 …dxc4 became fashionable in the 1960s thanks to Soviet analysts such as Efim Geller, who proved that returning the pawn with queenside activity gives Black a solid game.

Main Line Snapshot

9 .Bxc4 b5
10 .Bd3 Bb7
11 .O-O a6
12 .e4 h6
13 .Bf4 c5

White’s mobile centre faces Black’s queenside expansion; both sides must time their pawn breaks precisely.

Illustrative Game

Model Game (annotated excerpt)

The game shows typical motifs: Black regains the c-pawn, but White’s central majority and the g5-bishop pressure eventually force concessions.

Practical Tips

Playing White
- Develop calmly: Be2 & O-O before pushing e4.
- After …b4, keep the bishop flexible (Bd3-e2) to avoid tempo loss.
- Pounce with d4-d5 when Black’s pieces drift to the queenside.
Playing Black
- Strike quickly with …b5 and …Bb7; delayed queenside play yields passive positions.
- Watch tactical shots: Bxf6 followed by Nxb5 can pick off the a8-rook or b5-pawn.
- After …c5, be ready to meet d4-d5 with …exd5 and accurate piece activity.

Interesting Facts

Once thought risky because of Rubinstein–Spielmann (Carlsbad 1911), 8 …dxc4 is now engine-approved and played by top grandmasters.
Magnus Carlsen used the line successfully at the 2013 Candidates, edging out Vladimir Kramnik on tiebreaks.
The Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO) assigns codes D60–D62 to this variation; understanding ideas matters more than memorising sub-lines.