Nimzo-Larsen (1.b3): Hypermodern flank opening
Nimzo-Larsen (1.b3)
Definition
The Nimzo-Larsen, also called the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, Larsen’s Opening, or simply 1.b3, is a flank opening that begins with the move 1.b3. White immediately prepares to fianchetto the queen’s bishop to b2, exercising long-distance pressure on the dark squares—especially the e5 and d4 central squares—while leaving the central pawns flexible. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings it is classified under code A01.
How it is Used in Play
- Hypermodern philosophy: White invites Black to occupy the center with pawns and then plans to undermine that center from the flanks.
- Flexible transpositions: Depending on Black’s reply, the game may transpose into lines resembling the English Opening, Réti Opening, Queen’s Indian structures, or even a reversed Dutch.
- Sidestepping mainline theory: Because 1.b3 avoids the oceans of preparation that begin with 1.e4 or 1.d4, it is a popular surprise weapon, particularly in rapid and blitz.
- Typical White setup: Bb2, e3, f4 or c4 (depending on Black’s pawn structure), Nf3, Be2/Bb5, and castling short. White’s pieces often regroup toward the kingside for attacks beginning with moves like f4-f5.
- Typical Black replies: …d5, …e5, or …Nf6 combined with …g6. Against …e5, the b2-bishop bites on granite but restrains …f5 breaks; against …d5, White may play e3 and c4 to generate Queen’s Indian-type pressure.
Strategic & Historical Significance
The move 1.b3 was first explored in tournament practice by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s, but it was Bent Larsen in the 1960s-70s who made it a feared practical weapon, famously defeating several top grandmasters—including World Champions—to prove its viability. Because the opening embodies hypermodern ideas championed by Nimzowitsch (controlling the center from a distance), its name honors both pioneers.
Notable adherents since Larsen include Bobby Fischer (who used it to beat the entire USSR team in a 1970 simul!), Viktor Korchnoi, Vladimir Bagirov, and modern stars such as Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Richard Rapport—mostly in rapid formats.
Key Move Orders & Plans
- 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 d5 4.Bb5 (Larsen’s favorite line)
- White immediately challenges the c6-knight and may double Black’s pawns after Bxc6+. The resulting structure resembles a reversed Nimzo-Indian.
- 1.b3 Nf6 2.Bb2 d5 3.e3 c5 4.Nf3
- A Queen’s Indian-type struggle. White can strike with c4 or d4 later, or aim for a King’s Indian Attack setup with g3, Bg2.
- 1.b3 g6 2.Bb2 Nf6 3.e4
- Known as the "Polar Bear" variation; White grabs central space, and the game may transpose into a reversed Pirc/Modern with colors switched.
Illustrative Example Game
Larsen – Spassky, Belgrade Candidates 1970
Larsen sacrificed material in thematic fashion, exploiting the long-diagonal pressure of his b2-bishop to drag Spassky’s king into the open and eventually win.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Exchange on c6 or g7: Bxc6+ or Bxg7 with tempo, damaging Black’s pawn structure or winning the exchange if Black’s rook is undefended.
- e3-e4 central break: Once the fianchettoed bishop controls e5, a timely e4 can seize the center.
- f2-f4-f5 pawn storm: Especially against …e5 set-ups, White can expand on the kingside supported by the Bb2 battery.
Advantages & Drawbacks
- Pros
- Cuts down on heavy theory—good surprise value.
- Flexible; can transpose into multiple systems.
- Provides rich positional and tactical possibilities.
- Cons
- If Black plays …e5 solidly, the Bb2 bishop can become “tall pawn” until the center opens.
- White concedes some central space in the early moves.
- Requires good understanding of middlegame plans instead of memorized lines.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the 1970 USSR vs. Rest of the World match, Bobby Fischer unleashed 1.b3 against Efim Geller and won in only 27 moves—a public endorsement from the most theoretical player of his era.
- Bent Larsen jokingly called the opening the "Baby Orangutan," riffing on the Orangutan (1.b4) because the b-pawn only moves one square.
- The Nimzo-Larsen is one of the very few openings named after two players from different eras, linked by a shared strategic concept rather than direct collaboration.
- Magnus Carlsen used 1.b3 twice in the 2020 Magnus Carlsen Invitational rapid event, scoring 1½/2 and sparking a brief boom of the line on chess servers worldwide.
Further Study Tips
- Analyze Larsen’s original classics (e.g., Larsen – Taimanov, Sousse 1967) to grasp the archetypal pawn breaks.
- Build a personal repertoire file: choose a main line vs. …e5 and vs. …d5 to avoid being move-ordered.
- Practice thematic endgames where the queenside pawns are fixed on dark squares, highlighting the long-range power of the Bb2 bishop.
Mastering the Nimzo-Larsen will improve your understanding of hypermodern principles and provide a practical sideline to surprise well-prepared opponents.