French Defense: Rubinstein Variation, Blackburne Defense

The opening move 1.e4 is a logical choice for White as it aims to control the center of the board and pave the way for the development of the bishop and queen. By occupying the e4 square, White puts pressure on Black's pawn on e6 and limits the mobility of their king knight. This can make it difficult for Black to fully activate their pieces and launch a counterattack. The move also creates the potential for White to launch a strong attack on the kingside if Black neglects their defensive duties.

Black responds to 1.e4 with 1...e6 to immediately challenge White's control over the d5 square and prepare to develop their light-square bishop to a more active diagonal. By placing a pawn on e6, Black also defends their d5 pawn and prepares to potentially push it forwards to create a central pawn duo. This move allows Black to adopt a more solid approach, limiting White's options for a speedy victory and forcing them to develop their remaining pieces in a more careful manner. Additionally, it offers the option to develop the queen bishop to either e7 or d6, adding more flexibility to Black's position.

Playing 2.d4 puts even more pressure on Black's central pawn by attacking it with a pawn and opening up the possibility of White's queen bishop getting into the game dynamically. This forces Black to make a decision as to how they will defend their d5-pawn and potentially remove their knight from d7 to keep the pawn defended. If Black captures on d4, White recaptures with a knight, further increasing their control over the center of the board while simultaneously creating the potential to use their queen bishop more effectively. By playing d4, White aims to capitalize on their first move advantage to actively control the center of the board and create a powerful position from which to launch an attack.

In the French Defense: Rubinstein Variation, Blackburne Defense, Black's move 2...d5 puts further pressure on White's control of the center by challenging the pawn on d4. If White does not capture the pawn, Black can potentially create a powerful central pawn duo. If White does capture on d5, Black recaptures with their e6 pawn to create a strong pawn chain and gain a foothold in the center. This move is also thematic for the French Defense, where Black typically tries to limit White's options in the center and play for counter-attacks, especially against White's pawn chain. By playing d5, Black aims to upset the balance of power on the board and establish a more solid position.

White's move 3.Nc3 continues their strategy of controlling the center and preparing for the mobilization of their pieces via natural squares. This move supports the d4-pawn and puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5, reducing its mobility and limiting Black's development options. Additionally, it prepares the way for the queen knight to develop to a more aggressive square such as f3 or g5, potentially aiding in a kingside attack. White also threatens to capture the pawn on e5, but Black can defend it with their knight on f6 or play exd4, opening up the center and creating more dynamic play. In short, Nc3 is an important developing move that allows White to continue building a strong position while putting pressure on Black to make precise moves.

With the move 3...dxe4, Black accepts White's threat to capture on e4 and reduces White's central pawn control. Black also gains a tempo by attacking the knight and potentially forcing an exchange of pieces. If White recaptures with the knight, this further increases Black's central pawn control and gives them a strong position in the center. If White chooses to instead recapture with the pawn, this will double White's pawns on the e-file and may leave their position vulnerable later in the game. Black's move also maintains the pressure on White's position as they continue to focus on developing their remaining pieces. All in all, dxe4 is a solid move for Black that leads to open and dynamic play.

In the French Defense: Rubinstein Variation, Blackburne Defense, White's move 4.Nxe4 is a natural response to Black's dxe4, recapturing the pawn while simultaneously developing a piece and increasing White's control of the center. It also creates the possibility of White following up with a pawn to e5, putting further pressure on Black's center pawns and potentially leading to a strong pawn chain. Additionally, by developing the knight to a central square, White threatens to use it for a potential kingside attack. However, White must be careful not to overextend their pieces and leave themselves vulnerable to Black's counter-attacks. In sum, Nxe4 is a solid move for White that helps to build a strong position with multiple strategic possibilities.

Black's move 4...Nd7 is a developing move that defends the pawn on e5 and prepares to challenge White's knight on e4. Black also aims to develop the knight to a more active square and potentially establish a strong position in the center. Additionally, Nd7 makes it more difficult for White to launch a kingside attack as the knight covers important squares around Black's king. If White attempts to attack immediately with f4, Black has the option of responding with f5 to undermine White's pawn structure. By playing Nd7, Black continues to focus on developing their pieces and solidifying their position while planning ahead for possible strategic changes in the game.