Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins with the flank move 1. b3 and aims to fianchetto White’s queen’s bishop on b2. The Modern Variation refers to Black’s immediate occupation of the centre with 1…e5, most commonly followed by 2. Bb2 Nc6. The baseline tabiya therefore appears after the moves:

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6

From this point the game can branch into several set-ups, but the overall character is sharply defined: White plays a hyper-modern system that strikes at the centre from the wings, while Black adopts classical central control.

Typical Move Order

1. 1. b3 e5
2. 2. Bb2 Nc6
3. 3. e3 — preparing Nf3, Bb5, and d4
4. …d5 or …Nf6 (both are popular responses)
5. 4. Bb5 — pinning the knight and reminiscent of a Ruy Lopez

The sequence 3…d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. f4 (Larsen’s favourite) often leads to dynamic, unbalanced middlegames.

Strategic Goals

• White
  • Exploit the long-diagonal pressure of the b2-bishop aimed at g7 and e5.
  • Create central breaks with d4 or f4 to undermine Black’s pawn on e5.
  • Keep the position flexible: pieces often regroup via Nf3, d3, Nbd2, and sometimes g3-Bg2 for a double fianchetto.
• Black
  • Maintain the strong pawn on e5 and occupy the centre with …d5 and …Nf6.
  • Challenge the b2-bishop by playing …Ba3 or, after castling, prepare …f5 to gain kingside space.
  • Seek early simplification through …Bf5 or …Bd6 to neutralise White’s long-range pressure.

Historical Context

Although Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935) toyed with 1. b3, it was Bent Larsen (1935-2010) who used the opening repeatedly at elite level. The Modern Variation label arose in the late 1960s when Soviet grandmasters began replying with 1…e5 instead of the older 1…d5 lines, arguing that immediate central occupation best meets the hyper-modern concept. Larsen, ever the innovator, gladly explored the new positions, most famously in his 1970 match game against Ex-World Champion Boris Spassky.

Illustrative Game

Larsen – Spassky, Belgrade (Candidates’ Match) 1970

In a double-edged struggle Larsen temporarily sacrificed a pawn to open lines for both bishops, demonstrating the attacking potential inherent in the Modern Variation.

Typical Tactical Themes

• Diagonal Spear – After an eventual d4 break, the b2-bishop can hit g7, c6, or even h8 in one swoop.
• e5 Hook – White often undermines the centre with f4 or d4; removal of the e5-pawn releases pieces.
• Pin & Win – Moves like Bb5 pin the c6-knight; combined with Nf3-g5 tactics, f7 becomes weak.
• Exchange Sacrifice on f6 – In some lines Rxf6 breaks Black’s pawn cover and opens the long diagonal.

Modern Usage

The Modern Variation is a popular surprise weapon in rapid and blitz, embraced by creative grandmasters such as Richard Rapport and Baadur Jobava. Engines rate the opening as roughly equal, but its unorthodox pawn structure frequently takes opponents out of mainstream theory.

Online database statistics (2020-2024, master games) show:

• White score: 50-52% across time controls.
• Most played continuations after 2…Nc6: 3. e3 (70%), 3. g3 (20%), 3. Nf3 (10%).

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Mikhail Tal once quipped that facing 1. b3 was like “being asked to solve a riddle in a language you only half understand.”
• In 2017 World Champion Magnus Carlsen employed the Modern Variation in a blitz game against Yu Yangyi, winning in just 23 moves after a stunning sacrificial attack on the kingside.
• The “Ruy Lopez in miniature” nickname arises because after 4. Bb5 White obtains a Lopez-style pin without ever playing e4!

When to Choose the Modern Variation

Select 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 if you:

• Enjoy off-beat openings that retain solid positional foundations.
• Prefer steering opponents away from heavily analysed 1. e4 or 1. d4 main lines.
• Are comfortable with both vigorous central play and flank-based tactics.

Summary

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a flexible, double-edged opening that marries hyper-modern ideas with classical central battles. Its rich strategic landscape, historical pedigree, and surprise value ensure it remains a fascinating option at every level of play.