Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack (1.b3)
Nimzowitsch‑Larsen Attack
Definition
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is an irregular opening that begins with the move 1. b3. It is also catalogued as A01 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) and is sometimes called the “Larsen Opening,” “Queen’s Fianchetto Opening,” or simply “1.b3.” By fianchettoing the queen’s bishop to b2, White exerts long-range pressure on the central dark squares—especially e5—while maintaining a flexible pawn structure and piece placement.
Typical Move Order & Core Ideas
The most common continuation is:
- 1. b3 …
- 1.… e5 (or 1.… d5, 1.… Nf6, 1.… c5, etc.)
- 2. Bb2 …
Main strategic themes for White include:
- Hypermodern central control: White invites Black to occupy the center with pawns and then targets those pawns with pieces (especially the bishop on b2).
- Early piece activity: Knights often reach f3 and c3, while the dark-squared bishop can pin from b5 or support a central pawn thrust such as e2–e4 or f2–f4.
- Flexibility & transposition: The position can transpose into English Opening structures (1.c4), Queen’s Indian setups, or even certain lines of the Catalan and Réti, keeping Black in the dark regarding White’s exact plan.
Strategic Significance
Although 1.b3 does not seize central space immediately, it challenges the classical dogma by placing a powerful piece on the longest diagonal from the very first moves. Because many players prepare extensively against mainstream first moves (1.e4, 1.d4, 1.c4, 1.Nf3), the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack can serve as a surprise weapon that sidesteps heavy opening theory while still preserving rich middlegame possibilities.
Historical Notes
Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935) occasionally employed 1.b3 as a practical demonstration of his hypermodern theories. Decades later, Bent Larsen (1935-2010) adopted the move with great enthusiasm, scoring multiple brilliancies against elite opponents in the 1960s and 70s. Larsen’s repeated successes cemented his association with the line, and his name was eventually paired with Nimzowitsch’s in the opening’s modern title.
Famous Games
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Larsen – Spassky, Bellevue 1970
Larsen uncorked 1.b3 and defeated the reigning World Champion in just 30 moves after a kingside pawn storm and a picturesque mating net. -
Larsen – Portisch, Interzonal 1964
Showcases the thematic pawn break f2-f4 bolstered by the bishop on b2, culminating in a devastating attack down the f-file. -
Nimzowitsch – Saemisch, Copenhagen 1923
An early demonstration of how the b2-bishop can restrain Black’s center and pick off loose pawns in the endgame.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The short tactical skirmish below highlights typical ideas:
Modern Usage
Nowadays 1.b3 is most frequently seen as:
- A sideline in rapid & blitz where surprise value is magnified.
- An entry point to English/Queen’s Indian hybrids after moves like 2. g3, 3. Bg2.
- A practical weapon against computer-prepared opponents because the amount of concrete theory is relatively modest.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Bent Larsen famously said, “With 1.b3 I can play my own chess from move one,” emphasizing the opening’s psychological edge.
- When Bobby Fischer prepared for the 1970 Siegen Olympiad, he explored 1.b3 as a surprise but eventually stuck to 1.e4; his analysis notes were later published and showed intriguing attacking lines.
- Magnus Carlsen has used 1.b3 occasionally in online blitz and Chess960, demonstrating the opening’s staying power even among modern world champions.
- Because Black is free to choose any reasonable reply (…e5, …d5, …Nf6, …c5), the ECO dedicates six separate subcodes (A01) just to the second and third moves.
Summary
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is a flexible, hypermodern system beginning with 1.b3 that leverages the long-range power of the queenside fianchettoed bishop. Though considered “irregular” and less common in elite classical play, it remains a potent surprise weapon, rich in strategic and practical resources, and carries the storied legacy of two of chess history’s most creative grandmasters.