Nimzo-Larsen Attack
Also known as Nimzo-Larsen, 1.b3, Larsen's Opening, Larsen Attack
1.b3
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins 1.b3, fianchettoing the queen's bishop to b2 where it rakes the long diagonal toward Black's kingside. It is a flexible, hypermodern flank opening that sidesteps mainstream theory and invites Black to occupy the centre, which White then pressures with pieces.
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What it does
With 1.b3 White immediately prepares Bb2, placing the bishop on the a1-h8 diagonal so it bears down on e5, g7 and the kingside. Rather than claiming the centre with pawns, White lets Black build a big pawn centre and then chips away at it with pieces - knights to f3 and a3, the e- and sometimes f-pawn advancing. The result is a fluid, manoeuvring game where understanding outweighs memorised lines.
When to use it
Reach for it when you want to dodge heavily analysed e4 and d4 theory and play on understanding instead. It suits players who enjoy flexible, hypermodern setups, fianchettoed bishops and slow build-ups that flare into kingside attacks. Because it is offbeat, it is a fine practical surprise weapon at club level, often steering opponents into unfamiliar middlegames early.
Why it works
The b2 bishop is a long-term asset, exerting pressure across the whole board and often pointing straight at Black's castled king. By delaying central pawn commitments, White stays flexible and reacts to Black's setup rather than the reverse. Larsen showed the line is fully sound and rich in plans; the apparently passive start hides genuine attacking and manoeuvring potential.
Key ideas
- Fianchetto the queen's bishop to b2 on the long diagonal
- Let Black take the centre, then pressure it with pieces
- Target the e5 pawn with Bb2, Nf3, Bb5 and f4 ideas
- Stay flexible - delay your own central pawn moves
- Aim the b2 bishop at the kingside for later attacks
- Use the offbeat character as a practical surprise weapon
Watch out
A common pitfall is grabbing material too greedily on the long diagonal: snatching g7 with Bxg7 can hand Black fast development and a half-open g-file, so the bishop's pressure is often worth more than the pawn. Black, in turn, must not leave e5 underdefended - combined Bb2, Nf3 and Bb5 pressure on the c6 knight can win it.