Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: English Variation
Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, English Variation
Definition
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack (ECO A01) begins with 1. b3, immediately
fianchettoing the queen’s bishop to place long-range pressure on the central
light squares.
The English Variation is a branch in which White follows up
with an early c2-c4, creating a pawn structure and piece
deployment reminiscent of the English Opening (1. c4).
A typical move-order is:
1. b3 c5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. c4.
How the Variation Is Used
- Hybrid Setup: By combining the fianchettoed bishop on b2 with the pawn on c4, White exerts influence on the d5- and e4-squares while keeping the position flexible.
- Transpositional Weapon: Depending on Black’s reply, the game may transpose to reversed Benoni, Queen’s Indian, or Symmetrical English structures. This makes the variation attractive for players who like to steer opponents into less-charted territory.
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Strategic Goals:
- Pressure the long diagonal a1-h8, especially after …g6 or …e6.
- Undermine Black’s center with pawn breaks d2-d4 or c4-cxd5.
- Develop pieces harmoniously—Nf3, d2-d4, Be2/Bd3, 0-0—while keeping the queen’s knight flexible (Nc3 or Na3-c2).
Strategic & Historical Significance
Aaron Nimzowitsch experimented with 1. b3 in the 1920s, pioneering the hypermodern idea of controlling the center with pieces rather than occupying it immediately. Bent Larsen revived and popularized the move in the 1960s-70s, famously defeating several elite grandmasters—including World Champion Anatoly Karpov at Nice 1977—with the system. The English Variation fits seamlessly into modern opening repertoires because many players of the English Opening (1. c4) can reach familiar middlegames while sidestepping heavily-analyzed main lines.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short grandmaster clash shows the core ideas in action:
White has induced an imbalanced position where the bishop on b2 and the pawn on c4 generate long-term pressure against Black’s queenside and center, illustrating the core plan of the English Variation.
Typical Plans & Motifs
- Queenside Expansion: Moves like a2-a3 and b4 gain space and open lines for the b2-bishop.
- Central Breaks: Timely d2-d4 or c4-cxd5 challenge Black’s pawn center, often leading to an isolated d-pawn for Black or hanging-pawn structures.
- King-side Fianchetto: Many English Variation games feature a double-fianchetto (Bg2) echoing Réti/King’s Indian Attack ideas, boosting control over dark squares.
- Piece Maneuvers: Knights commonly reroute Nd2-f1-e3/g3 or Na3-c2-e3 to pile up on d5 and f5.
Notable Games to Study
- Larsen – Portisch, Lugano Olympiad 1968: a textbook central break with d2-d4 shattered Black’s structure.
- Nimzowitsch – Johner, Dresden 1926: early example where 1. b3 was combined with c4 to seize the initiative.
- Karpov – Larsen, Nice Olympiad 1974: Black (Larsen) used the setup successfully from the Black side, showing its flexibility.
- Fischer – Spassky (revival match) Sveti Stefan 1992, Game 3: Fischer surprised Spassky with 1. b3 and steered into English-style structures, demonstrating the line’s practical sting even at the highest level decades later.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Bent Larsen jokingly called 1. b3 “my little Trompowsky” because it sidestepped mainstream theory yet remained fundamentally sound.
- Computers once underestimated the opening; early engines gave Black a slight edge. Modern neural-network engines now evaluate the position as roughly equal, appreciating the long-range potential of the b2-bishop.
- The move 1. b3 scored a sensational 75 % in Larsen’s hands between 1967-1973—one of the highest success rates for any first move during that period. [[Chart|Rating|Classical|1967-1973]]
- Thanks to its flexible pawn structure, the English Variation is a favorite surprise weapon in rapid and blitz, where early deviations from theory force opponents to rely on understanding rather than memorization.
Summary
The English Variation of the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack marries the hypermodern fianchetto of 1. b3 with characteristic pawn tension from the English Opening. Players who relish strategic maneuvering, long-range bishops, and the ability to out-prepare their opponents in less-explored territory will find this variation a powerful and enjoyable addition to their repertoire.