Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Complete Guide
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1.b3) is the quintessential surprise weapon. Named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, two of chess history's most original thinkers, this opening fianchettoes the queen's bishop and fights for the centre with pieces instead of pawns. If you're tired of heavy opening theory and want creative, flexible positions, the Nimzo-Larsen is your opening.
What is the Nimzo-Larsen?
After 1.b3, White prepares Bb2, fianchettoing the queen's bishop to the long diagonal (a1-h8). This bishop, combined with central control via c4, d3 (or d4), and e4, creates a flexible setup that's hard to prepare against. Nimzowitsch pioneered the hypermodern approach; Larsen refined it into a complete system.
Main ideas and setup
White's typical setup: 1.b3, 2.Bb2, 3.e3 (or f4), 4.Nf3, 5.Be2 (or d3/Bd3), 6.0-0. The bishop on b2 controls the long diagonal, supporting e5 or d4 breaks. The setup is flexible, White can play for d4, e4, or simply develop and wait for Black to commit.
Against 1...e5: Play 2.Bb2 and target e5 with Nf3, d3, Nbd2, and eventually e4 or f4.
Against 1...d5: Play 2.Bb2, 3.Nf3, 4.e3, aiming for c4 or d4 when ready.
Against 1...Nf6: Flexible, transpose to English-type positions with 2.c4 or maintain the Larsen setup.
Strategic themes
- The long diagonal: The Bb2 on the a1-h8 diagonal is your primary weapon. Combined with a knight on e5 or a pawn on d4, it creates powerful pressure.
- Flexibility: The Nimzo-Larsen doesn't commit to a specific pawn structure early, you adapt to Black's setup.
- Central breaks: d4 or e4 (or both) are your primary middlegame goals. The bishop on b2 supports both.
How to play against it
If you face the Nimzo-Larsen:
- Occupy the centre with ...d5 and ...e5, if White won't take the centre, you should.
- Develop naturally: ...Nf6, ...Be7, ...0-0, ...c5.
- Don't overreact, the Nimzo-Larsen gives White no theoretical advantage. Play solid chess and you'll equalise comfortably.
Training and next steps
The Nimzo-Larsen is ideal for players who want creative, low-theory positions. Study Larsen's games in our legends database, his attacking play from this opening was legendary. Play 10 games with 1.b3 against the computer to learn the typical setups. Explore the Nimzo-Larsen Attack in our opening explorer.