French Defense: Rubinstein Variation

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 · ECO C10 · White to move

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What French Defense: Rubinstein Variation puts on the board

Black has a one-pawn material edge; white is to move.

White has central pawns on d4; Black has central pawns on e4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The d-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders