English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation

In the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, White begins with the move c4. This move aims to control the center of the board and prepare for a pawn break with d2-d4. It also allows for the development of the knight on c3, which can exert pressure on Black's pawn on d5. Additionally, playing c4 avoids a potential mirroring of pawn structure in the center, which could favor Black in terms of symmetry. In sum, c4 is a flexible move that sets up a solid foundation for White's position.

Playing Nf6 as Black in response to 1. c4 is a flexible and logical move. By placing the knight at f6, Black contests White's control of the central squares, preparing to counterattack in the center. The knight also eyes the e4 square, which could be a potential outpost later in the game. Moreover, Nf6 strengthens Black's pawn on d5, which could be weak if not supported. By delaying the development of the kingside pieces, Black avoids potential attacks from White's pawns on g4 and h4, which are commonly seen in the King's Indian Defense.

With the move Nc3, White aims to support the pawn at d5 while further reinforcing control over the center of the board. The knight at c3 also has the potential to move to d5, threatening Black's pawn structure. In addition, developing the knight allows White more flexibility in future moves, such as preparing for a pawn break with e2-e4. Furthermore, Nc3 prepares to castle kingside, which would provide additional safety for White's king.

In the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Black chooses to push the c5 pawn, gaining greater control over the center of the board. This move frees the bishop on the c8-h3 diagonal and creates counterplay on the queenside. Moreover, c5 pressures White's pawn on d4 and gives Black a potential outpost on d5. The move also discourages White from playing d2-d4, as that would result in a pawn trade that opens up the position for both players. In sum, c5 is a dynamic and aggressive move that aims to disrupt White's control of the center.

Playing g3 in response to Black's c5 move is a flexible and useful option for White. By preparing to fianchetto the bishop to g2, White gains additional control over the diagonal and prepares to establish a strong pawn structure on the kingside. Moreover, g3 gives the knight at c3 the option to retreat to g2, supporting the bishop and putting pressure on Black's pawn structure. The move also prepares for the possibility of a kingside assault with h2-h4-h5. In addition, playing g3 avoids the tricky complications that can arise from more aggressive options like d4 or e4. In sum, g3 is a solid move that allows White to build a solid foundation for the rest of the game.

After White's g3 move, Black can respond with the move d5, creating counterplay in the center and contesting White's control of the position. The pawn at d5 also prevents the knight on c3 from moving to d5, which would be very inconvenient for Black. In addition, playing d5 potentially opens up the game for Black's light-squared bishop and queen to be developed. Playing d5 also prepares to open up the center with pawn exchanges like exd5, which could give Black tactical possibilities later in the game. In sum, d5 is a dynamic move that seeks to balance the position and create counterplay against White.

In the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, White plays cxd5 in response to Black's pawn push to d5. This captures the pawn and creates doubled pawns on the c-file for Black. Furthermore, cxd5 also eliminates any potential threats to White's pawn on d4 and allows White to gain more space in the center. White's pawn structure also becomes more harmonious, as the knight on c3 gains additional mobility. Additionally, cxd5 allows White the possibility of playing e2-e4, which could open up lines for White's bishops and create additional pressure on Black's position. In sum, cxd5 is a solid and logical move that furthers White's control of the center.

After White's move cxd5, Black has the option to play Nxd5, which forces White's pawn to recapture with exd5, resulting in doubled pawns for White on the diagonal. This move also removes White's control over the center for the moment while developing Black's knight. Furthermore, taking the pawn on d5 clears up space for Black's position, potentially freeing up the light-squared bishop to be developed to f5 or g4. Nxd5 also opens up the possibility of exd5 followed by c5, which could put additional pressure on White's position. Ultimately, Nxd5 is a dynamic choice that seeks to disrupt White's pawn structure and create opportunities for Black's counterplay.

Playing Bg2 in the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, is a solid and flexible move that develops White's bishop to a strong diagonal and prepares for castling kingside. By placing the bishop on g2, White gains additional control over the center and prepares to put pressure on Black's pawn on d5. Bg2 also creates the potential for a battery with the queen on the long diagonal, which can create tactical opportunities later in the game. Additionally, by developing the bishop on g2, White frees up the f1 square for the knight, which could potentially move to e2 or d3 to put additional pressure on Black's position. In sum, Bg2 is a strong move that sets up White for a flexible and dynamic game.

In the English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Black may choose to play Nc7 in response to White's Bg2 move. This move clears the d7 square for Black's c8 bishop and potentially prepares to blockade White's pawn on d4. Additionally, Nc7 supports the d5 pawn and keeps pressure on White's central control. The knight also has the option to move to e6 and subsequently g5, putting pressure on the f3 square. Furthermore, by placing the knight on c7, Black avoids any potential pins along the d-file from White's rook or bishop. In sum, Nc7 is a flexible move that prepares Black for counterplay and maintains the balance of the position.