Nimzo-Larsen Attack
1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 Nf6 · A01
Starting positionWhite to move
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Develop toward e5, then challenge the centre
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The idea
White prepares a queen's-bishop fianchetto with b3, then Bb2 pressures e5 from the flank. The move order avoids immediate central commitments while letting Black occupy more space.
Main line: 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bd6 5.Ne2 O-O 6.O-O Re8
What White wants
- Control the centre with Bb2 and the pawn breaks c4, d4 and e4
- Choose the structure after seeing Black's setup
- Play a low-theory, positionally sound game
What Black wants
- Occupy the centre with ...e5 and ...d5 and claim space
- Develop quickly and punish the slow bishop development
- Trade the b2 bishop or block the long diagonal
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
Develop toward e5, then challenge the centre
The bishop on b2 attacks e5 along the long diagonal once e3 is played. It does not defend e4 or d4 directly. White uses pawn breaks such as c4, d4 or f4 to challenge Black's centre and release the bishop's potential.
Common mistake
Playing b3 and Bb2 and then never claiming the centre. The bishop does nothing against a solid ...e5 and ...d5, so White needs the c4, d4 or e4 breaks to open the long diagonal — play quietly and Black simply takes the space.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
r1bqr1k1/pppp1ppp/2nb1n2/1B2p3/8/1P2P3/PBPPNPPP/RN1Q1RK1 w - - 7 7
Analyze this position