French Defense: Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack (C10)

The Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack is a variation of the French Defense, catalogued as ECO C10. The line runs 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. c3, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.

On the French Defense generally: A solid defense where Black builds a strong pawn chain. Leads to strategic middlegames with clear plans.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

French Defense: Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack — position after c3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. c3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e6
2d4d5
3Nd2dxe4
4Nxe4Nd7
5Nf3Ngf6
6Nxf6+Nxf6
7c3

ECO: C10

Stockfish: +0.41 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack?

The Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack goes 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. c3. It is a variation of the French Defense and is catalogued as ECO C10.

What is the ECO code for the Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack?

The Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack is ECO C10. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the French Defense.

Is the Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 7. c3 at +0.41 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Rubinstein Variation, Kasparov Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.