Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack (variation 4)

This opening is a solid and classical defense for Black against the Queen's Gambit Declined, focusing on developing pieces and controlling the center.

In this variation, Black aims to fianchetto their bishop on the kingside while delaying the capture of the c4 pawn, allowing White to establish a strong pawn center. White typically continues with a pawn break in the center with e3, followed by a rook lift to the c-file to increase pressure on the c6 pawn. Black often responds by exchanging the dark-squared bishops to alleviate some pressure on their position. The game usually transitions into a strategic battle where both sides maneuver their pieces to optimal squares, with White looking to exploit their central pawn majority and Black aiming to create counterplay on the queenside. This variation is known for its solid and flexible nature, offering both sides opportunities to outplay their opponent through careful planning and precise execution of their plans.