Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Spike Variation

The Spike Variation is a sharp line of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack reached after 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5. The move 4.Bb5 “spikes” the knight on c6, echoing the Rossolimo and Ruy Lopez pins while steering the game into off-beat but highly tactical channels.

Definition & Main Move Order

Canonical sequence:

1. b3 e5
2. Bb2 Nc6
3. e3 d5
4. Bb5 – the trademark Spike move

White immediately pins the c6-knight against the king, contests e5 and prepares rapid central breaks with c2-c4 or f2-f4.

Strategic Ideas

For White
- Exploit the c6 pin to undermine Black’s centre with c4, f4 or Bxc6 followed by fxe5.
- Target the dark squares (e5, d4, f4); sometimes castle long and launch a kingside pawn storm.
- Use piece activity to compensate for the slight developmental delay caused by 1.b3.
For Black
- Break the pin safely with 4…Bd7 or 4…Bd6, then develop with …Nf6 and castle.
- Keep the healthy pawn duo on e5–d5 and aim for …f5 or …Qh4+/…Qg5 counter-play.
- If doubled c-pawns arise after Bxc6 bxc6, use the half-open b-file for rook activity.

Typical Tactics

Pin tricks: When the c6-knight is immobile, e5 can become loose (e.g., Nxe5 ideas).
c-pawn breaks: c2-c4 (sometimes pawn-sac) tears down Black’s centre while the pin persists.
Dark-square domination: After Bxc6+ bxc6, White’s pieces flock to e5, d4 and f4.

Historical Notes

Bent Larsen used 1.b3 to defeat players such as Spassky (Belgrade, 1970). The specific Spike idea (4.Bb5) was popularised in German club play during the 1970s, earning its descriptive name because the bishop “drives a spike” into Black’s set-up.

Illustrative Mini-Game

A short model showing the key pin tactic:

Highlights:

4.Bb5 creates the thematic pin.
7.fxe5 fxe5 8.Nxe5! – White wins back the pawn and leaves Black with a weak e5 square.

Modern Usage & Practical Tips

Excellent surprise weapon in rapid/blitz: theory is light, tactics come early.
If Black replies 4…Nf6, 5.Bxc6+ bxc6 6.Bxe5 is often strong, exploiting the lingering pin.
Study analogous motifs in the Rossolimo Sicilian (Bb5 against …Nc6) to transfer pattern knowledge.

Interesting Facts

GM Richard Rapport and GM Baadur Jobava periodically employ the Spike to keep opponents off balance.
Engines initially like Black’s centre but swing toward White after tactical shots like Nxe5 or c4.
The name “Spike” is sometimes misapplied to any early Bb5 in 1.b3 lines, but strictly speaking it requires the move order with …e5 and …Nc6 already on the board.