FENrnbqkb1r/ppp1pppp/5n2/3p4/3P1B2/2N5/PPP1PPPP/R2QKBNR b KQkq -
Rapport-Jobava System: what to play after Bf4?
Best move
e6+0.03
By playing e6, you solidify your central d5 and open the diagonal for your f8. It is a classic, principled move that prepares for development while keeping your position compact…
- Games played
- 9.10M
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.03
- Depth
- 25
Why e6 is the best move
e6! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 5 top moves — you found a rock-solid strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing e6, you solidify your central d5 and open the diagonal for your f8. It is a classic, principled move that prepares for development while keeping your position compact and difficult to break down.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is incredibly flexible. You chose a solid path, but there were four other ways to maintain the balance:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| c5 | -0.03 | Aggressive: Challenges the center immediately by attacking d4. |
| Bf5 | +0.00 | Active: Develops the "problem" bishop outside the pawn chain. |
| a6 | +0.03 | Prophylactic: Prevents White's knight from jumping to b5. |
| e6 | +0.03 | Solid: Your choice! Focuses on stability and kingside development. |
| g6 | +0.05 | Hypermodern: Prepares to fianchetto the bishop on g7. |
Different paths, same destination: While c5 is the engine's favorite for creating immediate tension, your choice of e6 is much more reliable for a positional player. You prioritized safety and piece harmony over immediate conflict, which is a perfectly valid way to handle the London System.
Your Continuation
After e6, the game remains balanced:
Nb5 Bb4+ c3 Ba5 e3
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That White's f4 is strong, and you need to prepare your own development without creating immediate weaknesses. While many players prefer the prophylactic a6 (played by 39% of humans), you chose a more direct developmental path that forces White to prove their edge.
📚 Takeaway: When five different moves are evaluated as equal, it’s a sign that your strategic intent matters more than a single "best" move. Trust your style!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 9.10M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e6Engine pick | +0.03 | 0 | 0% | |
| c5 | -0.03 | 0 | 0% | |
| Bf5 | +0.00 | 0 | 0% | |
| a6 | +0.03 | 0 | 0% | |
| g6 | +0.05 | 0 | 0% |
The line
More positions in the Rapport-Jobava System
All Rapport-Jobava System positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Rapport-Jobava System?
e6 (+0.03). By playing e6, you solidify your central d5 and open the diagonal for your f8. It is a classic, principled move that prepares for development while keeping your position compact…
Why is e6 the best move here?
By playing e6, you solidify your central d5 and open the diagonal for your f8. It is a classic, principled move that prepares for development while keeping your position compact and difficult to break down.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 9.10M times in the opening book.