Nimzo-Larsen Attack
You play White · 7 variations
Mixed practice
The machine picks a different variation every time.
Take a quiz
10 positions: find the next theory move in each. No take-backs, no hints.
Main variations · 5
Other variations · 2
What is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is 1.b3, named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen. You prepare Bb2 to control the long diagonal and the e5 and d4 squares from a distance, in true hypermodern style, letting Black occupy the centre so that you can attack it later. It is a flexible flank opening, positional and usually closed at first, outside the mainstream but perfectly sound, and it can also be reached by playing Nf3 first and b3 next.
Main ideas and plans
After Bb2 you typically continue with e3 and Nf3, then either fight for d5 with c4 or clamp down on e5 with f4. Against the Modern Variation, 1.b3 e5, Black builds a big centre and you pressure the e5 pawn: after 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 d5 4.Bb5 the bishop pins the knight that defends e5, and taking on c6 can leave Black with doubled pawns. The Pachman Gambit, 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.f4, attacks e5 more sharply. Against the Classical Variation, 1.b3 d5, you usually play Bb2, Nf3, e3 and c4, a reversed Queen's Indian set-up, and the Norfolk Gambit, 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3 c5 3.e4, is an aggressive gambit idea in the same family.
Against the Indian Variation, 1.b3 Nf6, Black often fianchettoes with ...g6; you can play quietly with Bb2, Nf3, e3 and c4, or try the provocative Spike Variation, 1.b3 Nf6 2.Bb2 g6 3.g4. Against the Dutch Variation, 1.b3 f5, the Ringelbach Gambit, 1.b3 f5 2.Bb2 e6 3.e4, hits Black's kingside before it is settled. In all lines watch Black's central pawns: your plan is to undermine them with c4 and f4, exchange on c6 or f6 when that damages the structure, and use the long diagonal once the centre opens.
Who is it for?
The Nimzo-Larsen suits flexible, positional players who like original positions and understand their structures rather than memorising lines. There is little forcing theory, which makes it attractive for club players with limited time, but it is not easy to play well: if you are too passive, Black's free central development gives a comfortable game. First learn how to meet ...e5 with Bb2, e3 and pressure from Bb5, then study the Queen's Indian-style set-ups with the bishop on b2.