Chess opening · ECO E40
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3. It ranks #140 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 3... Bb4Black develops the dark-squared bishop to b4. It now attacks the knight on c3.
- 4. e3White advances the e-pawn to e3.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is Bxc3+; among players rated 2000 and up, it is O-O.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Bxc3+ 100% | – | – |
| 1400–1599 | O-O 32% | c5 20% | Bxc3+ 18% |
| 1600–1799 | O-O 32% | c5 16% | Bxc3+ 15% |
| 1800–1999 | O-O 36% | c5 31% | b6 12% |
| 2000 and up | O-O 37% | b6 25% | c5 22% |
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