Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins with the flexible flank move 1. b3. When Black replies 1…Nf6, steering play toward structures typical of the various “Indian” openings (e.g., King’s Indian, Queen’s Indian), the position is classified by modern opening manuals and ECO as the Indian Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen (ECO code A01). The name highlights both the Nimzo-Larsen umbrella (honoring Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen) and the Indian Defense–style development Black adopts.

Typical Move-Order

Most games reach the tabiya through

• 1. b3 Nf6 2. Bb2
• Black can choose among …g6, …e6, …d5, or …c5, echoing setups from the King’s, Queen’s, and Nimzo-Indian families.

Usage in Play

White’s first move targets the long diagonal a1–h8 and keeps central pawn structures fluid. By delaying d2-d4 or e2-e4, White invites Black to reveal their central intentions first. The reply 1…Nf6 is a sound, non-committal choice that:

1. Develops a knight to its natural square.
2. Controls e4, discouraging an immediate central thrust by White.
3. Retains flexibility to transpose into Queens-Indian, Bogo-Indian, or even English Defence structures depending on how the next few moves proceed.

Strategic Themes

• Diagonal Control: White’s bishop on b2 eyes g7 and often provokes pawn moves that weaken Black’s kingside light squares.
• Central Timing: White decides later between c2-c4, d2-d4, or e2-e4 setups. The choice depends on whether Black plays …d5, …c5, or …g6.
• Reverse-Colour Play: Many structures resemble a reversed Queen’s Indian or Nimzo-Indian with an extra tempo for White, allowing creative piece rerouting (e.g., Nb1-c3-e2-g3).
• Counter-Fianchetto: If Black copies with …g6 and …Bg7, the strategic battle pivots on who better leverages the long diagonal and controls the e4/e5 squares.

Historical Notes

Aron Nimzowitsch experimented with 1. b3 as early as the 1920s, but the line’s modern revival is credited to Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen, whose frequent use of 1. b3 in the 1960s–70s gave the system its double-barrelled name.

Curiously, the most famous 1. b3 game—Spassky vs Larsen, USSR vs Rest of the World 1970—actually backfired for its champion: Larsen lost in only 17 moves after Spassky’s energetic central break. Even so, the opening remained a dangerous surprise weapon. The specific Indian Variation (1…Nf6) has been employed by elite defenders such as Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, and Vishy Anand when facing 1. b3 in speed-chess events.

Sample Line

A mainstream repertoire line runs:

White has a reversed Queen’s Indian where the queenside pawn majority may advance (c2-c4 followed by cxd5 or c5) while Black strives for …e5 or …d4 breaks.

Illustrative Game

[[Pgn| 1.b3 Nf6 2.Bb2 g6 3.g4 h6 4.h3 Bg7 5.Bg2 d5 6.c4 c6 7.Nf3 O-O 8.O-O e6 9.d3 Nbd7 10.Nbd2 b6 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.Rc2 Rc8 13.Qa1 c5 14.cxd5 exd5 15.d4 Ne4 16.dxc5 Bxb2 17.Qxb2 bxc5 18.Rd1 Qe7 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Nd2 Nf6 21.Nc4 Rfd8 22.Rcd2 Rxd2 23.Rxd2 Ba6 24.Qc3 Bxc4 25.Qxc4 Rd8 26.Rxd8+ Qxd8 27.Bxe4 Qd1+ 28.Kg2 Nxe4 29.Qxe4 Qxe2 30.Qxe2|arrows|g2g4,g2g8|squares|d5,e4]]

(Short commentary: Anish Giri – Baadur Jobava, World Blitz 2019. Giri’s creative 3.g4!? in the Indian Variation leads to a double-fianchetto middlegame rich in imbalance.)

Practical Tips

• After 1…Nf6, if Black follows with …g6, consider early c4 to seize queenside space before Black stabilizes with …d6 and …e5.
• If Black prefers …e6 and …d5 setups, maneuver your queen’s knight via b1-d2-f3 to support a central push e3-e4.
• Against the immediate …c5, be ready for Maroczy-style grips: play Nf3, g3, Bg2, c4, Nc3, d3, aiming for a reversed English Hedgehog.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When Bobby Fischer returned from retirement in his 1992 “Revenge Match” vs. Spassky, he tested 1. b3 in Game 1—but Spassky replied 1…e5, avoiding the Indian Variation.
• The line sometimes transposes to a Reversed Nimzo-Indian after 1.b3 Nf6 2.Bb2 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c5 5.Bb5+, giving White the same irritating check Black usually deploys against c4-d4 systems— a humorous role reversal!
• Grandmaster Baadur Jobava popularized the ultra-sharp 3.g4!? pawn storm (see game above), showing modern engines approve of such caveman play.