Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. Nc3/3...dxe4

Rubinstein French Paulsen variation 3...dxe4 · Rubinstein French Black eliminates the central tension by taking White's pawn and opens the position. This sideline is adopted by Black to reduce theory as they may meet 3. Nc3 and 3. Nd2, the Tarrasch, in the same way. The positions transpose after White recaptures. 4. Nxe4 is essentially the only move White plays. Gambitting the pawn for development is possible, e.g. 4. f3!? exf3 5. Nxf3 Nf6, transposing into the Blackmar-Diemer gambit accepted. Theory table References See also French Defence