Larsen’s Opening (1. b3) – Nimzo-Larsen Attack
Larsen’s Opening (1. b3)
Definition
Larsen’s Opening—more formally known as the Nimzo-Larsen Attack—is the flank opening that begins with the move 1. b3. White immediately fianchettos the queen’s bishop on b2, exerting long-range pressure on the central squares, especially e5 and d4, while keeping the pawn structure flexible. The opening is named after the combative Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen (1935-2010), who adopted it as one of his main weapons in the 1960s and 70s.
Typical Move Order
While the only forced move is 1. b3, common continuations are:
- 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6
- 1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. c4
- 1. b3 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. e4 d6 4. Nc3 Bg7
The game can transpose into structures from the English Opening, Queen’s Indian, or even certain reversed Dutch positions.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Control from Afar: The fianchettoed bishop on b2 targets the e5-square, discouraging ...e5 setups and supporting an eventual d2-d4 advance.
- Flexibility: Because White has not committed any central pawn, he can choose among c2-c4, d2-d4, or even f2-f4 depending on Black’s scheme.
- Double Fianchetto Possibility: Many Larsen players go for a “double-barrelled bishop” by playing g3 and Bg2, echoing Réti and English Opening strategies.
- Imbalance & Surprise: The line is outside the mainstream 1. e4 and 1. d4 theory, so it can sidestep an opponent’s heavy preparation.
Historical Significance
Although the move 1. b3 was tried sporadically at the end of the 19th century (notably by Emanuel Lasker), it gained real prominence when Bent Larsen used it successfully against the world’s elite. His demolition of World Champion Tigran Petrosian at Bled 1961 became a landmark game that showcased the line’s attacking potential. Bobby Fischer later picked up 1. b3 in blitz sessions and in his 1970 “Game of the Century” against Janos Flesch (Fischer scored 17-0 in a simultaneous exhibition, starting all his games with 1. b3!).
Example Game
Bent Larsen – Tigran Petrosian, Bled 1961. Larsen sacrificed a pawn to open lines on the kingside, then used his b2-bishop and rooks to engineer a decisive attack. The game shattered perceptions that 1. b3 was a harmless sideline.
Plans for White
- C2-C4 Break: Undermines Black’s center when …d5 is on the board, aiming to create hanging-pawn structures.
- D2-D4 Push: Achieves classical central presence, often after preparatory Nf3 and e3 to keep the bishop active.
- Kingside Pawn Storm: In some lines (particularly against …g6 setups) White launches f2-f4-f5 to crack open the long diagonal.
Plans for Black
- Classical Setup: Occupy the center with …d5 and …e5, develop normally with …Nc6 and …Nf6, and neutralize the bishop with …Bd6 or …Ba3.
- Fianchetto Mirror: Adopt …g6 and …Bg7, creating a symmetrical duel of bishops; solid but can be passive.
- Immediate …e5 Strike: Seizes space and invites a transition to open positions where the b2-bishop can be blunted by …d6 and …Be6.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- When queried why he played 1. b3 against world champions, Larsen famously quipped, “Because they don’t know as much theory after that move as I do.”
- Garry Kasparov tried 1. b3 only once in a classical game— vs. Deep Junior, 2003—and won in 27 moves.
- Larsen’s own peak rating () came in 1971, the same year he crushed several top players with his signature opening.
- On modern platforms, the opening is also popular in bullet and blitz because it instantly sidesteps pet lines like the Sicilian or Grünfeld.
Contemporary Usage
While not a staple of elite tournament play, Larsen’s Opening remains a dangerous practical weapon. Grandmasters such as Baadur Jobava, Richard Rapport, and even World Champion Magnus Carlsen have sprinkled it into their repertoires to catch opponents off-guard. Databases show its best performance in rapid time controls, backed by a steady 52–54 % score for White.
Conclusion
Larsen’s Opening embodies creative, off-beat chess. It combines central influence, hidden tactical venom, and psychological surprise. For players who relish unorthodox positions and are willing to study the attendant middlegame plans, 1. b3 can be a formidable way to play for a win from move one.