Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation

Definition

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation is an opening sequence that begins with the flank move 1. b3 and continues with Black’s counter-flank reply 1…b5. In Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) it is catalogued under code A01. The opening combines two ideas:

  • White’s Nimzo-Larsen Attack (also called the Queen’s Fianchetto Opening), named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, who popularised the flexible 1. b3.
  • Black’s Polish Defense concept (…b5), hence the tag “Polish Variation” when it arises against 1. b3 rather than 1. d4 or 1. e4.

The starting position after 1. b3 b5 appears mirror-symmetric on the queenside, with both players staking early space there and eyeing the long a1–h8 diagonal.

Typical Move Order & Position

A common continuation is: 

      1. b3   b5
      2. Bb2  Bb7
      3. e3   a6
      4. Nf3  Nf6
      5. c4

After 5. c4 the board often features:

  • Both light-squared bishops fianchettoed on b2 and b7, pointing at each other down the diagonal.
  • Pawns on b3 and b5 forming “hooks” that can become tactical targets.
  • Central tension delayed, giving both players leeway to choose pawn structures (…d5, …e6 for Black; d4, f4, or even a quick g4 for White, depending on taste).

Strategic Themes

  • Queenside Space vs. Weak Squares. Black’s …b5 grabs territory but slightly weakens the c6 and a6 squares; White may later undermine with a4.
  • Long-Diagonal Duel. The opposed bishops create tactical motifs such as …Bxh1 or Bxg7, encouraging careful calculation before castling kingside.
  • Flexible Center. Because neither side commits central pawns early, the middlegame structure can transpose into Réti-, English-, or even reversed Benoni- style setups.
  • Minor-Piece Imbalances. Knights often head for c3/e5 (White) or c6/e4 (Black), exploiting the loosening effects of the b-pawn advances.

Historical Context & Notable Games

Although 1…b5 is rarer than the classical 1…e5 or 1…d5 answers to 1. b3, it attracted creative attackers:

  1. Bent Larsen – Ulrich Müller, Lugano Olympiad 1968: Larsen showcased the line’s potential for central break-throughs after luring the …b5 pawn forward and striking with c4 & d4.
  2. Gata Kamsky – Alex Yermolinsky, U.S. Championship 1993: Kamsky used a delayed a4 to undermine the b-pawn, ultimately occupying the c5 outpost and converting a positional squeeze.

Illustrative Miniature

The following 19-move skirmish shows typical motifs:

[[Pgn|1.b3|b5|2.Bb2|Bb7|3.a4|b4|4.Nf3|e6|5.e3|Nf6| 6.Be2|c5|7.O-O|Nc6|8.d4|cxd4|9.exd4|Nd5|10.Re1|Be7| 11.Bf1|O-O|12.Nbd2|Nc3|13.Bxc3|bxc3|14.Ne4|Nb4| 15.Nxc3|Rc8|16.Re3|Qa5|17.Ne5|d6|18.Nc4|Qf5|19.Bd3|]

White allowed Black’s queenside advance but later undermined it with a4 and piece pressure, culminating in better coordination.

Practical Tips for Players

  • With White
    • Don’t rush d4; keep the structure fluid until you spot the best central break.
    • An early a4 is the thematic antidote to …b5; time it when Black cannot easily support b5 with …a6.
    • The diagonal tactics cut both ways—calculate Bxg7 or …Bxh1 tricks before every move.
  • With Black
    • Support b5 with …a6 and …e6–d5 to avoid being undermined.
    • Consider a quick …c5 to challenge the center while the bishop on b2 is still “biting on granite.”
    • If White plays 2. Nf3 immediately, …Bb7 often remains sound, but alternatives like …d5 are available.

Interesting Facts

  • Because both sides fianchetto on the same diagonal, commentators jokingly call this line “Bishops of Doom” facing one another.
  • The double-b-pawn advance has appeared in computer chess: engines sometimes rate 1…b5 as close to equal, challenging human prejudice against early rook-pawn moves.
  • Bent Larsen once quipped that 1…b5 is “an insult returned with an insult,” reflecting the asymmetrical spirit of flank openings.

Related Openings

Players of this variation may also wish to study:

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Last updated 2025-07-04