Nimzo-Larsen Opening (1. b3) - Definition & Guide

Nimzo-Larsen Opening

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Opening is defined by the move 1. b3 (sometimes followed immediately by 2. Bb2), placing the queen’s bishop on the long diagonal toward the e5 square. It is also called the “Larsen Opening,” “Queen’s Fianchetto Opening,” or simply “1. b3.” The ECO codes most commonly associated with it are A01 and A04.

Typical Usage Over the Board

• White plays 1. b3 to avoid mainstream theoretical battles such as 1. e4 e5 or 1. d4 d5, steering the game into less explored territory.
• The bishop is fianchettoed to b2, where it exerts long-range influence on the central light squares (e5, d4) and sometimes the kingside.
• Common reply structures for Black include …d5 and …e5 setups, or more flexible arrangements with …Nf6 and …g6.
• Typical development for White: Bb2, e3, Nf3, Be2/Bb5, d3 or d4, castles short; sometimes c4 and f4 are employed for central or kingside pressure.

Strategic and Historical Significance

Although 1. b3 dates back to the 19th century, its modern reputation was forged by two great innovators:

1. Aron Nimzowitsch – A pioneer of hypermodern ideas who used 1. b3 (and the mirror move 1…b6) to demonstrate that central control can be established from the flanks.
2. Bent Larsen – The Danish grandmaster adopted 1. b3 as a fighting weapon in the 1960s–70s, scoring many spectacular wins and giving the opening its popular name.

Strategically, the opening embodies hypermodern principles: invite the opponent to occupy the center, then undermine it with pieces and pawn breaks (…c5, …f5 for Black; c4, f4 for White). Because theory is less developed than in 1. e4 or 1. d4 openings, creative players relish the fresh middlegame structures that arise.

Common Move Orders & Plans

• 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3
  • White keeps the center fluid and prepares Nf3, Bb5, or d4.
  • Black often replies …d5 or …Nf6, aiming to seize space.
• 1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 g6
  • A “double-fianchetto” position may appear if Black plays …Bg7.
  • White can strike with c4 or f4 depending on piece placement.
• 1. b3 c5 2. Bb2 Nc6
  • Transposes to English-style positions with reverse colors;
  • White’s flexible pawn structure allows for early d4 breaks.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature shows a thematic central counterattack from Black, highlighting both the dynamic promise and the potential danger for the first player if development lags.

Larsen – Spassky, Belgrade (Match Soviet Union vs Rest of the World), 1970

Spassky’s precise play punished White’s early f-pawn thrust, delivering mate on move eight—one of the shortest decisive games at elite level and a cautionary tale about uncastled kings in the Nimzo-Larsen.

Modern Grandmaster Adoption

• Magnus Carlsen has surprise-armed 1. b3 in rapid and blitz, e.g. Trondheim 2019 vs. Caruana, scoring a smooth positional win.
• Hikaru Nakamura often employs the opening in online speed chess to sidestep preparation.
• Mikhail Tal experimented with 1. b3 in simultaneous exhibitions, appreciating the tactical skirmishes that ensue.

Despite occasional set-backs, the opening remains a respected practical weapon, especially in faster time controls where surprise value is magnified.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• After Spassky’s eight-move victory, Larsen humorously remarked that “the queenside was perfectly safe,” underscoring his resilience and wit.
• The symmetrical counterpart 1…b6 (Owen’s Defense) shares many ideas, making it attractive for players who enjoy using the same strategic themes with both colors.
• The move 1. b3 is statistically the third most common first move in high-level correspondence databases, behind only 1. e4 and 1. d4, demonstrating its niche but persistent popularity.
• Several modern engines (Stockfish, Lc0) evaluate 1. b3 as only a fraction of a pawn below the main lines, reflecting its soundness despite its offbeat reputation.

Key Takeaways

1. 1. b3 is a flexible, strategically rich first move rooted in hypermodern thought.
2. Proper central counterplay and rapid development are essential; otherwise, the half-open e- and f-files can become tactical battlegrounds.
3. Ideal for players who thrive on creativity, surprise value, and long-diagonal piece pressure.