Chessy
The Rapport-Jobava System: c6 – Your First Moves as White
The Rapport-Jobava System begins with 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4, and after 3...c6 you play 4.e3 — a flexible setup that keeps your options open. The engine evaluates this position at +0.12, a tiny edge for White, which means you are essentially level out of the opening. With over half a million games in the database, White scores 50.6%, Black 45.3%, and draws just 4.1% — so you're in fighting territory right from move four. Let the drill below show you the key ideas against Black's most common responses.
Play the Rapport-Jobava System: c6 against the engine
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Jump into the interactive drill below and practise facing Black's most popular replies. Create a free Chessy account to track your progress and adapt as you go.
Create a free account →What You're Fighting For
This is a battle for the centre without committing your king's bishop yet. By playing 4.e3, you prepare to develop your other pieces naturally — Bd3, Nf3, and eventually castle short. The pawn on c6 stops Black from playing ...Nc6, but it also prepares ...b5 or ...dxc4 ideas later. You're not trying to crush Black immediately; instead, you're building a solid, slightly flexible position where your bishop on f4 already pressures Black's queenside. The statistics show this is one of the most balanced openings around — White wins about half the time, Black slightly less, and draws are rare. That means every move matters, and a single inaccuracy can tip the scales.
Black's Most Common Replies
From the position after 4.e3, Black has several solid options. Here's what to expect and how White scores against each one: - Bf5 (200,478 games – the most popular): Black mirrors your light-squared bishop. White scores 50.2% here — it's a principled, symmetrical response. - e6 (109,203 games): Black solidifies the centre. White scores 50.7% — a tiny improvement. - Bg4 (78,339 games): Black pins your knight if you play Nf3. White scores 51.4% — your best result against a major reply. - g6 (45,949 games): Black prepares a fianchetto. White scores 46.8% — this is the only reply where Black outperforms you, so be alert. - Nbd7 (41,740 games): Black develops quietly. White scores 51.0%. Your opponent will most often put their bishop on f5, so have a plan ready.
The Engine's Answer: Meet Bf5 with f3
If Black plays the top move Bf5, the engine's best continuation is f3, followed by e6, and then h4. Why f3? It takes the g4 square away from Black's knight or bishop and prepares e4 later to fight for central space. You're not rushing to develop your kingside knight — instead, you keep the position closed and look for a pawn break. After Black plays e6, your h4 puts immediate pressure on the bishop on f5. This line isn't about tricks; it's about patiently outplaying your opponent in a slightly unusual structure. Black's bishop on f5 may feel well-placed, but your h4 push can force it to decide between retreating or staying and getting trapped.
One Mistake to Punish
Among Black's options, h6 stands out as a clear inaccuracy. The engine says this move loses about 0.6 pawns of advantage (the better move was Bf5). Why is h6 bad? It wastes a tempo and weakens the g6-square without improving Black's position. As White, you should be happy to see h6 — it scores 52.5% for you, your highest winning percentage against any major reply. Use the extra time to build your centre with Bd3, Nf3, and 0-0, and look for an eventual e4 break. Black's h6 pawn does nothing to stop your plans, and it may become a target later if you swing your bishop to g5.
Results across 529,771 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bf5 | 200,478 | 50.2% |
| e6 | 109,203 | 50.7% |
| Bg4 | 78,339 | 51.4% |
| g6 | 45,949 | 46.8% |
| Nbd7 | 41,740 | 51.0% |
| h6 | 13,959 | 52.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rapport-Jobava System good for beginners?
Yes, it's an excellent choice for beginners and club players. The setup is easy to remember (d4, Nc3, Bf4, e3), and it avoids tons of sharp opening theory. After 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4 c6 4.e3, the position is level and fighting, so you get a playable middlegame every time.
What does the engine think of 4.e3 in the Rapport-Jobava?
Stockfish evaluates 4.e3 at +0.12, which is a negligible edge for White. In human terms, the position is dead equal — neither side has an advantage. The engine goes on to recommend f3 against Black's top reply Bf5, aiming to challenge the centre with e4 later.
How should I play against Black's Bg4 in this line?
Bg4 is a natural pin on your knight after you play Nf3, but White scores a solid 51.4% against it. Your plan is simple: develop with Bd3, castle, and consider h3 to ask the bishop what it wants to do. If Black takes on f3, you recapture with the queen and get the bishop pair.
Why is h6 a mistake for Black here?
Black's h6 is classified as an inaccuracy because it loses about 0.6 pawns of advantage. It doesn't develop or fight for the centre — it just prevents Bg5, which wasn't a threat yet. The better move was Bf5. As White, you score 52.5% against h6, your best result against any common reply.