Nimzo-Indian Defense: Hübner Variation, Rubinstein Variation

The Hübner Variation, Rubinstein Variation is a solid and flexible chess opening that leads to rich middlegame positions with chances for both sides.

The opening is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, which is a popular and well-respected choice for Black against 1.d4. In this variation, Black aims to control the center with their pawn on c5 and the bishop on b4, while White tries to maintain their central pawn duo. The key move for White is Ne2, which is a flexible move that prepares to recapture on c3 with the knight, avoiding doubled pawns.

The Hübner Variation is named after the German Grandmaster Robert Hübner, while the Rubinstein Variation is named after the Polish Grandmaster Akiba Rubinstein. Both players contributed significantly to the development of this opening.

In this variation, Black has a solid pawn structure and active piece play, while White has more space and central control. The middlegame plans for both sides can vary greatly, depending on how the pawn structure evolves. Black can aim for d5 or b5 pawn breaks, while White can try to expand on the queenside or in the center.

The Hübner Variation, Rubinstein Variation is a good choice for players who enjoy strategic battles and are comfortable playing with or against the bishop pair. It has been played by many top-level players, including former World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.