Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack, White's first move, 1. d4, aims to control the center of the board by placing pressure on Black's pawn on d5. By playing d4, White gains more space and opens up lines for their pieces. This move can also lead to a number of aggressive pawn structures, depending on how Black chooses to respond. The control of the center is key in chess, so White's choice to start with d4 is a strong strategic move.

Black's move 1...d5 is played to challenge White's control of the center, aiming to establish their own pawn on d5. By placing a pawn on d5, Black hopes to gain a foothold in the center and limit White's options for expansion. Additionally, Black's pawn on d5 controls the e4-square, preventing White from advancing their pawn to that square and potentially gaining even more central space. d5 is a common and solid response to White's first move, as it contributes to Black's overall goal of building a strong position.

White's move 2. Nf3 develops a knight and prepares to castle kingside. The knight on f3 also helps to control the e5-square, preventing Black from placing their own knight there and potentially attacking White's center. Nf3 is a flexible move that can be followed up with a number of different pawn play options, such as c4, e3, or g3. Deferring the decision on which pawn structure to adopt can allow White to respond to Black's moves in a more precise manner based on the developing situation on the board.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack, Black's move 2...Nf6 develops a knight and puts pressure on White's pawn on d4. The knight on f6 also supports Black's control of the e4-square and can later be used to attack White's center. Additionally, Nf6 prepares for Black's eventual kingside castle, as the knight can be positioned to cover the g8 square. This move is a common and solid rejoinder to White's Nf3, as it develops Black's pieces and continues their progress towards a good position.

White's move 3. c4 is played to seize further control of the center of the board and gain more space. The move attacks Black's pawn on d5 and puts pressure on the knight on f6, which must now move or be traded off. c4 is also useful in that it supports White's future development - for example, it opens up a path for the queen's bishop to join the game. This move is a crucial part of many different opening systems, as it helps to establish a more dynamic pawn structure and lays the groundwork for various plans and strategies.

In response to White's c4, Black's move 3...e6 is played to build a solid structure and further control the center. The move supports Black's pawn on d5 and helps to prevent White's pawn on c4 from advancing further. Additionally, e6 develops Black's light-squared bishop, allowing it to be placed on the long diagonal and potentially controlling the a2-g8 diagonal. By playing e6, Black establishes a stable pawn chain and prepares for their own piece development. The move is a common and sound option in many different opening systems.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack, White's move 4. Nc3 is played to develop a knight and prepare for a kingside castle. The move supports White's pawn on d4 and puts additional pressure on Black's pawn on e6. Nc3 is also useful in that it allows White to threaten the a5 square, potentially disrupting Black's pawn structure. In some cases, the knight on c3 may also be further developed by moving it to d5 or b5. By playing Nc3, White continues their piece development and creates new possibilities for their future moves.

In response to White's Nc3, Black's move 4...Be7 is played to develop their pieces and support the pawn on d5. Be7 also prepares for Black's own kingside castle, as the bishop can be used to control the long diagonal and support the king's position. Additionally, Be7 may be useful in future moves, as the bishop will be positioned to potentially exert pressure on White's pawn on f4 or attack the b2 square if the a-file is opened up. This move is a common and sensible choice, fitting well in many different openings and helping Black to solidify their position.

White's move 5. Bg5 aims to exchange Black's light-squared bishop while putting additional pressure on the pawn on e6. The move threatens to create doubled pawns if Black elects to capture the bishop with their f-pawn. Additionally, Bg5 pins Black's knight on f6, making it more difficult for Black to move this piece without losing material. The move also supports White's kingside castle and opens up the diagonal for the queen's bishop. Bg5 is a common and effective way to continue White's pressure on Black, threatening to create vulnerabilities in Black's pawn structure and limit their options for future development.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack, Black's move 5...O-O prepares their king for safety and connects the rooks. Additionally, O-O places the king on the kingside, opposite from White's developing plan on the queenside, making it more difficult for White to mount a successful attack against the king. Castling also allows Black's rook on f8 to be used to support the f7 pawn, which may otherwise have been vulnerable to attack from White's light-squared bishop. By playing O-O, Black ensures that their king is well positioned and ready to participate in the ensuing battle.

White's move 6. e3 is played to further support their pawn on d4 and prevent Black's knight from occupying the square on d4. The move also allows White's light-squared bishop to be brought into play, usually via d3 or e2. Additionally, e3 creates further stability in White's pawn structure by placing a pawn on the same color as the bishop on g5, making it more difficult for Black to attack the bishop. The move is also useful in that it prepares for White's own kingside castle, as the e2-square can be used to relocate the king's knight. By playing e3, White solidifies their position and prepares for future attacks against Black's position.

In response to White's e3, Black's move 6...Nbd7 aims to develop a knight towards the center of the board and prepare for future action. The move also supports the pawn on d5 and defends against potential attacks on the square d5. Additionally, Nbd7 prepares for Black's own kingside castle, allowing the king's rook to be connected with the other rook. Depending on the situation of the game, the knight on d7 may also be used to support action on the queenside or in the center of the board. In sum, 6...Nbd7 is a solid and flexible move that helps Black to maintain control of the center and prepare for future developments.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack, White's move 7. Rc1 is played to support the pawn on c4 and put additional pressure on the pawn on d5. The move also prepares for an eventual queenside expansion, and may allow the rook to become more active later in the game. Additionally, Rc1 supports the pawn on c4, potentially preventing Black from capturing on that square without facing significant consequences. The move is a common choice for White in many different opening systems, and helps to solidify White's position and prepare for future strategic developments.

In response to White's Rc1, Black's move 7...c6 is played to prevent any future threats from a potential push of White's pawn on d5. The move also provides additional support for Black's pawn on d5, making it more difficult for White to capture that pawn. Additionally, c6 prepares for Black's own queenside expansion, as the pawn may potentially advance to c5 in the future. Finally, c6 ensures that Black's position is well-solidified, and that there are no weak spots or easy targets for White to exploit. In sum, 7...c6 is a strong and useful move that helps Black to control the central and queenside areas of the board, while maintaining a stable pawn structure.

In response to Black's move c6, White's move 8. Qc2 is played to support the pawn on d4 and prepare for future pressure on the queenside. The move also prepares for a potential kingside expansion, as the queen may be used to contribute to such advances. Additionally, Qc2 puts additional pressure on Black's pawn on e6, potentially limiting Black's ability to mount an effective response. The queen on c2 is also situated on the long diagonal, which may allow White to exert control over an open diagonal if it becomes available. By playing Qc2, White solidifies their position and prepares for future strategic developments in the game.

This move is not described yet.

This move is not described yet.