Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins with the flank move 1. b3, aiming to fianchetto White’s queen-side bishop on b2. The Symmetrical Variation arises when Black mirrors this idea with 1…b6, also preparing …Bb7. A typical move-order is:

1. b3 b6 2. Bb2 Bb7, after which both sides have adopted identical setups.

How it is Used in Chess

The variation is employed by players who want to:

• Avoid the vast body of main-line 1. e4 and 1. d4 theory while still playing for a creative, unbalanced middlegame.
• Drag the opponent into less-charted territory where general understanding is more important than rote memorization.
• Invite an early symmetry that can later be broken at a moment of their own choosing, often with central pawn breaks such as c4, d4, or e4.

Strategic Themes

Although both bishops point at the enemy king-side, the game often revolves around central tension and minority attacks on the queen side.

• Control of e5/e4 squares – White typically fights for e4 while Black eyes e5.
• Timely break of symmetry – One side may play c4 (or …c5) and d4 (or …d5) to seize space before the opponent reacts.
• Piece play on long diagonals – The double fianchettoed bishops turn the board into a battlefield of diagonals where tactical motifs such as pins and x-rays are frequent.

Historical Notes

The opening is named for Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, both renowned for their unorthodox approaches. Nimzowitsch experimented with 1. b3 in the 1920s, but it was Larsen’s repeated success in the 1960s–70s that popularized the line, including showing its viability against world-class opposition such as Bobby Fischer (Havana, 1966).

The symmetrical answer 1…b6 was championed by Brazilian GM Henrique Mecking and later explored by Tigran Petrosian, both attracted to its solid yet flexible character.

Common Plans & Tactical Motifs

1. Central Reaction – After 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6, White can strike with 5. c4 or 5. d4 to gain space.
2. Double-Fianchetto King's Safety – Castling short is common, but both sides must watch the g1–a7 and b1–h7 diagonals.
3. Minor-Piece Manoeuvres – Knights often reroute to d2-f3-e5 (for White) or d7-f6-e4 (for Black).
4. Exchange on f3/f6 – A bishop trade can double pawns and open files, producing long-term imbalances.

Illustrative Line

The following short sample shows typical play in the Symmetrical Variation, highlighting when White elects to break symmetry first:

Key ideas: White’s 5. c4 claims space; Black counters with …c5. After 7. d4 the tension shifts to the center, while the long bishops maintain latent pressure on the king side.

Model Game

B. Larsen – H. Mecking, San Antonio 1972 (annotated excerpt):

[[Pgn| 1.b3|b6|2.Bb2|Bb7|3.Nf3|Nf6|4.e3|e6|5.c4|c5|6.Nc3|Be7|7.d4|cxd4|8.exd4|d5|9.cxd5|Nxd5|10.Bb5+|Nc6|11.Nxd5|Qxd5|12.Bc4|Bb4+|13.Kf1 |O-O|14.h4|Rac8|15.Rh3|Bd6|16.Bxd5|exd5|17.Ng5|Ne7|18.Qh5|h6|19.Re1|Ng6|20.Re6|fxe6|21.Qxg6|Rxf2+|22.Kxf2|Rc2+|23.Qxc2 ]]

Larsen’s early h-pawn thrust and rook lift (Rh3) show how one can use the latent pressure of the fianchetto bishops to generate a direct attack, even from a seemingly quiet symmetrical start.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In blitz, the Symmetrical Variation is a favorite of players who enjoy psychological warfare; mirroring your opponent’s first move often induces complacency before a sudden pawn break shatters equality.
• Computer engines once assessed the line as completely equal, but modern neural-network tools give White a small pull after precise moves, reflecting the value of the first move even in symmetrical positions.
• Larsen jokingly called 1. b3 his “secret anti-Fischer weapon.” Although he lost disastrously to Fischer in their famous 1971 Candidates match (a Sicilian), he kept faith in 1. b3 for the rest of his career.

Practical Tips

• Delay castling if you wish to launch an early pawn storm with h4 (for White) or …h5 (for Black).
• If your opponent breaks symmetry with c4/d4 (or …c5/d5), decide quickly whether to lock the center or keep lines fluid for your bishops.
• Watch for tactics on the long diagonal after any pawn advance of the e-file pawns; an undefended rook in the corner is a recurring motif.

Summary

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation offers a flexible, strategically rich battlefield where both players wield long-range bishops and vie to be the first to break symmetry. It rewards ingenuity and a keen sense of timing rather than deep theory, making it an attractive weapon for creative players at every level.