The full breakdown of this variation — plans for both sides, typical positions, the opponent’s main answers, mistakes and traps — is being written. Until then the French Defense guide covers the ideas behind it.
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7
Rubinstein Variation traps
Mate on move six
Smothered mate in the Rubinstein
Rubinstein Variation · White can punish
The fastest way to lose the French as Black. After 5.Qe2 the natural developing move 5…Ngf6 loses on the spot.
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Qe2 Ngf6
Nd6 is mate. Every escape square is taken by Black’s own pieces, so the knight jump ends the game on move six.
Training coming soon
Other French Defense variations
Classical VariationBlack answers 3.Nc3 with 3…Nf6 and hits e4 again. After 4.e5 the knight reroutes and Black strikes at the chain with …c5.
Winawer VariationBlack pins the c3-knight with 3…Bb4 and trades it off for doubled c-pawns. White attacks the kingside, Black that permanent target.
Advance VariationWhite closes the center with 3.e5 and gains space. Black attacks the base of the pawn chain with ...c5 and prepares ...f6.
Tarrasch VariationWhite plays 3.Nd2 instead of Nc3, so there is no pin to worry about. After …c5 and the trade on d5 the game turns on the isolated pawn.
Exchange VariationWhite trades on d5 at once and the centre opens. Black’s problem bishop is finally free, and small plans decide a symmetrical position.
King’s Indian AttackWhite ignores the centre and builds with d3, Nd2, Nf3 and g3. A slow build-up to a kingside attack, with little forced theory.
