Larsen: Bent Larsen and Nimzo–Larsen Attack

Larsen

Definition

In chess, “Larsen” most commonly refers to Bent Larsen (1935–2010), the pioneering Danish grandmaster known for creative, hypermodern play, and to the opening 1. b3, which is widely called “Larsen’s Opening” or the Nimzo–Larsen Attack. Bent Larsen was one of the leading non-Soviet stars of the 1960s–1970s, a prolific tournament winner, author, and a tireless experimenter in the opening, especially with flank systems that challenge the center from a distance.

The term also appears in opening nomenclature—for example, “Larsen’s Opening” (1. b3), associated with the ideas of Hypermodern strategy and the long-diagonal Fianchetto of the queen’s bishop.

Usage in Chess

Players and annotators use “Larsen” in two main ways:

• As a reference to Bent Larsen himself, especially when discussing his fearless style, tournament results, Candidates Matches, and influence on modern opening practice.
• As shorthand for the Nimzo–Larsen Attack: 1. b3, a flexible Opening that can transpose to Reti Opening or English Opening structures and aims to control the center with pieces.

Strategic Significance

Larsen championed hypermodern ideas: ceding immediate central pawn occupation in favor of rapid piece development and long-range pressure. With 1. b3, White fianchettos the bishop to b2, targeting e5 and g7, and keeps a rich menu of Transposition options. Typical plans include:

• Queenside fianchetto: 1. b3, 2. Bb2, followed by e3, Nf3, c4 or d4, exerting central and queenside pressure.
• Timely central breaks: d4 or e4 to open lines for Bb2 and coordinate with rooks on c- and d-files.
• Kingside expansion: f2–f4 in some setups to attack and gain space, echoing a “flank-first, center-later” concept.
• Piece play over fixed structure: exploiting weak squares and diagonals, generating Practical chances without heavy theoretical memorization.

Modern Engine Eval generally rates 1. b3 as fully playable, though not as theoretically testing as 1. e4 or 1. d4. It remains a potent weapon in Rapid/Blitz and for sidestepping deep Theory.

Historical Notes

Bent Larsen was a multiple-time Danish champion and a perennial Candidates contender. He scored wins against several World Champions in individual games and helped popularize the idea that elite chess could be fought on the flanks as well as in the center. His success with 1. b3 led to the mainstream acceptance of the Nimzo–Larsen Attack, which he co-branded with Aron Nimzowitsch’s hypermodern legacy.

Memorable chapters of Larsen’s career include his leadership role on “The Rest of the World” team in the famous USSR vs. Rest of the World match (Belgrade, 1970) and his 1971 Candidates run, which ended in a lopsided loss to Fischer—an episode that underscored both the risks of uncompromising play at the very highest level and the fierce competition of the era.

How the Nimzo–Larsen Attack (1. b3) Is Played

The opening usually begins 1. b3, 2. Bb2, and then e3, Nf3 with a quick d4 or c4, letting the bishop on b2 “breathe” along the long diagonal. Two common setups:

• Solid center: 1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. c4, expanding on the queenside and aiming for d4 under favorable circumstances.
• Flexible kingside: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3, with options for Bb5, d4, or even a later f2–f4, depending on Black’s setup.

Typical middlegame themes include pressure on e5/d5, well-timed c4–cxd5 breaks, and tactical motifs involving Bxc6 to damage Black’s queenside structure. Because move-orders are fluid, the opening is a favorite for players who prefer to outplay opponents in fresh positions rather than recite lines.

Illustrative Line

The following short line highlights natural development for White with the b2-bishop, centralized knights, and flexible pawn breaks:

Visual cues: the diagonal b2–g7 is a long-term asset, while Rc1 supports c4–c5 or a later d3–d4 break. White stays flexible and watches for moments to change the pawn structure on favorable terms.

Famous Games and Legacy

Larsen’s best games showcase unexpected ideas, deep tactics, and refined endgame technique. He produced numerous brilliancies against elite opposition and played a key role in popularizing modern flank systems. When commentators say “a very Larsen-like idea,” they often mean a creative, hypermodern concept that challenges conventional wisdom and aims to unsettle opponents early.

• His tournament victories and match appearances established him as one of the strongest Western players of his generation, inspiring many to explore offbeat systems rather than only mainline theory.
• Larsen’s Opening (1. b3) remains a staple in practical play, especially when players want to avoid “heavy book” and reach rich, maneuvering battles.

For players who enjoy the Nimzo–Larsen Attack, related study paths include Fianchetto structures, Hypermodern concepts, and transpositional systems in the English Opening and Reti Opening.

Practical Tips

• Know your structures more than move orders—1. b3 thrives on flexibility and Transposition tricks.
• Don’t rush pawn breaks; coordinate them with your minor pieces and rooks to maximize the b2-bishop’s scope.
• Watch the dark squares around your king if you also play g3 in some lines; over-fianchettoing can become a target.
• Be ready for both quiet maneuvering and sudden tactics—many positions feature surprising shots on e4/e5 or the c-file.

Interesting Facts

• Bent Larsen co-names the “Nimzo–Larsen Attack” with Aron Nimzowitsch, reflecting a shared hypermodern spirit across generations.
• Larsen authored influential collections of his best games, helping codify practical lessons behind his creative opening choices.
• Even today, 1. b3 is a respected surprise weapon at all time controls—especially Rapid and Blitz—because it drags opponents into less familiar territory.

Related and See Also

• Opening
• Fianchetto
• Hypermodern
• Transposition
• Nimzowitsch
• English Opening
• Reti Opening
• Practical chances

Quick Reference

Key idea: control the center with pieces, not pawns; leverage the b2-bishop. Typical start: 1. b3, 2. Bb2, 3. e3, 4. Nf3 with c4/d4. Best for players who like initiative, flexibility, and surprise value over deep memorization.