Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is the family of openings that start with the flank move 1. b3 (or occasionally 1. Nf3 followed by 2. b3). The Classical Variation arises after Black replies with the “classical” centre-occupying set-up 1…e5, 2…Nc6 and 3…d5, leading to the diagram position after the moves:

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5  (other 4th moves are possible, but 4. Bb5—pinning the knight—is the tabiya of the Classical Variation).

Typical Move-Order & Ideas

• 1. b3 — White hints at a fianchettoed bishop that will influence the long diagonal (a1–h8).
• 1…e5 — Black claims the centre in classical style, seizing space and preparing …d5.
• 2. Bb2 Nc6 — The bishop takes aim at e5; the knight defends and adds pressure to d4.
• 3. e3 d5 — White stabilises the centre and frees the c1-bishop; Black erects the full e-&-d pawn duo.
• 4. Bb5 — White pins the c6-knight, often provoking structural concessions or gaining a tempo for kingside development.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Unlike hypermodern systems where White delays occupying the centre, here both sides contest it early. White’s b2-bishop, supported by c- and d-pawn thrusts, tries to undermine Black’s pawn wall.
• Minor-Piece Imbalances: The pin on c6 can create doubled c-pawns after Bxc6+. White may later “build a Nimzo-Indian dream” with pieces on c4, d3, and an e2-knight.
• Flexible Pawn Breaks: White usually chooses between
  • c4 (Benoni-style structures),
  • d4 (Queen’s-Pawn Game transposition), or
  • f4 (King’s Gambit-in-reverse ideas after Nf3).
  Black, on the other hand, looks for …Bd6, …Nf6, …0-0 and timely …f5 or …Qg5 to generate kingside activity.

Historical Background

The move 1. b3 was pioneered by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1910s as a practical test of hypermodern principles. Decades later, the Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen adopted it as a main weapon, famously defeating world-class opponents with the opening during the 1960s and 1970s. The term “Classical Variation” reflects Black’s choice of a classical pawn centre rather than the hypermodern setups with …g6 or …d6.

Illustrative Mini-PGN

One standard sequence (Larsen-style) might proceed:

Black accepts an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) position after 12…exf3, while White enjoys the bishop pair and dynamic chances on the kingside.

Famous Games & References

• Bent Larsen – Borislav Ivkov, Candidates Match 1968
  An early showcase where 4. Bb5 led to positional pressure and a strategic exchange sacrifice by Larsen.
• Magnus Carlsen – Teimour Radjabov, Shamkir (Blitz) 2014
  Carlsen used the Classical set-up as a surprise weapon, eventually grinding down an endgame a pawn up.
• Bobby Fischer – Efim Geller, Skopje 1967
  Fischer experimented with 1. b3 and transposed into lines closely related to the Classical Variation, though Geller ultimately prevailed.

Common Plans for Each Side

1. White:
   • Complete development rapidly: Nf3, d3 or d4, 0-0.
   • Undermine the centre with c4 or d4 to open the long diagonal.
   • Consider the thematic sacrifice Bxc6+ to shatter Black’s queenside.
2. Black:
   • Counter the b2-bishop by placing pieces on dark squares (…Bd6, …Ne7-g6).
   • Advance …f5 and sometimes …f4 for kingside space.
   • Simplify toward an endgame where the central pawn majority becomes an asset.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• e4-Break Tactics: After …e4, Black can fork pieces on f3 and d3 or open the dark-square bishop.
• Bishop Sacrifice on f7: In some lines, Bxf7+ works when …e4 weakens d5 and f7 simultaneously.
• Skewer on the a1–h8 Diagonal: A thematic idea is Bb5xc6 followed by Qh5 or Qf3 putting lethal pressure on f7.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The opening acquired the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Orangutan reversed” because 1. b3 and 1. b4 share conceptual DNA (both flank thrusts of the b-pawn).
• Bent Larsen defeated reigning World Champion Anatoly Karpov with 1. b3 in the 1982 Bugojno tournament, prompting Karpov to study the Classical Variation more seriously thereafter.
• Computers initially evaluated the Classical Variation as clearly inferior for White, but modern engines show the position is close to equal—underscoring its practical surprise value.

Related Openings

• Nimzo-Larsen Attack – the parent system.
• Queen’s Indian Defence (a6 & b6 variations) – thematically similar fianchetto ideas from the Black side.
• English Opening: 1. c4 e5 – shares a “reversed Sicilian” flavour once White plays b3 and Bb2.

Practical Tips

• If you want to try the Classical Variation as White, be ready to transpose into 1. e4 e5 structures in reverse—especially Closed Ruy Lopez patterns after Bb5.
• As Black, study manoeuvres from the Chigorin Defence; many piece placements (…Ne7-g6-f4, …Qf6, …c6) transfer well here.
• Because move orders are flexible, keep an eye on early deviations such as 4. Bb5 Qf6!? or 3…Bd6!?—both popular in correspondence and engine games.