4.e3: the Rubinstein Variation is variation 4 of 6 in the Against the Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Indian course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO E54). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O …. White develops calmly with e3, the bishop on d3 and the knight on f3. After the trades in the centre White gets an isolated d-pawn with active pieces. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Black develops.
2. c4 – White gains space.
2... e6 – Black opens the bishop.
3. Nc3 – White prepares e4.
3... Bb4 – The Nimzo-Indian pin.
4. e3 – The Rubinstein. White develops quietly and gets ready to castle.
4... O-O – Black castles.
5. Bd3 – The bishop develops to a strong square.
5... d5 – Black takes a share of the centre.
6. Nf3 – White develops the knight.
6... c5 – Black hits the centre again.
7. O-O – White castles.
7... dxc4 – Black takes on c4 to win time against the bishop.
8. Bxc4 – White takes back.
8... cxd4 – Black trades again. White will get an isolated pawn on d4.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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