Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack Modern Variation
Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack – Modern Variation
Definition
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack (ECO codes A01 & A06) is a flank opening that begins with the fianchetto 1. b3 (or the move-order 1. Nf3 followed by 2. b3). The Modern Variation refers to the branch in which Black answers by staking an immediate claim in the centre—most often with …e5 or …d5—and White responds in an “elastic” manner, delaying an early pawn clash while probing the dark-squares with the bishop on b2.
Typical Move Order
- 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5
This is the purest Modern line in the 1. b3 move-order. The retreat 4. Bb5 keeps pressure on e5 and often entices …Bd6, after which c4 or f4 become thematic breaks. - 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 3. Bb2 e6 4. e3 Be7 5. d4 0-0
Here the game can transpose to Queen’s-Indian set-ups with colours reversed, but White’s early b-pawn lends the position an independent flavour.
Strategic Ideas for White
- Dark-square grip. The b2-bishop eyes e5, d4 and g7; if Black weakens any of these squares White’s minor pieces leap in.
- Delayed central strike. Because the b-pawn has already moved, White can choose between c4, d4 or f4 at a moment when the impact will be greatest.
- Queenside pressure. Rb1, a3–b4 and Qa1 are recurring motifs that stretch Black’s defences horizontally.
- Transpositional weapon. With a single move (Nf3, d3 or c4) White can steer the game toward reversed Nimzo-Indian, English or even King’s Indian Attack structures, often leaving the opponent outside his opening book.
Strategic Ideas for Black
- Classical centre. By occupying e5 (or d5) Black seizes space and restricts the long diagonal of Bb2.
- Rapid development. …Nc6, …Nf6 and …Bd6 (or …Be7) aim for quick kingside castling and coordination before White’s flexible plan crystallises.
- Timely break …d4. If Black can achieve …d4 under good circumstances the b2-bishop becomes a mere spectator.
- Dark-square counterplay. Moves like …Bg4 or …Bb4 pin the knight that would otherwise jump to e5 or d4, undermining White’s thematic squares.
Historical Background
Aron Nimzowitsch experimented with 1. Nf3/2. b3 as early as the 1920s, viewing it as a practical embodiment of his hypermodern ideas. Grandmaster Bent Larsen then adopted 1. b3 as a mainstay of his repertoire in the 1960s and 70s, scoring spectacular wins against world-class opposition. The term “Modern Variation” entered databases when strong players—especially after the 1966 Candidates match Larsen–Spassky—began replying with the modern centre-first approach 1…e5 rather than the older 1…d5.
Example Line
Key moments to note:
- 4. Bb5 keeps annoying pressure on e5; if Black answers mechanically with …Bd6, the pin is gone and f4 gains strength.
- 7. Bxg7! is a sharp tactical resource that often stems from the bishop’s constant presence on the long diagonal.
Famous Games
- Larsen – Spassky, Belgrade 1970
Larsen’s 1. b3 stirred the Soviet preparation; although he eventually lost, the opening phase showed the Modern Variation’s provocative spirit. - Nakamura – Karjakin, World Rapid 2019
An instructive demonstration of flexible central play. After 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3, Nakamura transposed to a reversed Queen’s-Indian structure and out-manoeuvred his opponent in the middlegame. - Fischer – Andersson, Siegen Olympiad 1970
Fischer, usually a 1. e4 devotee, employed 1. b3 to sidestep preparation; although Andersson equalised, the game popularised the Modern Variation among top players.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Bent Larsen once remarked, “With 1.b3 I give my opponent two temptations: to take the centre and to underestimate me.” The Modern Variation thrives on both tendencies.
- Computers initially frowned upon 1. b3, but modern engines show it scores almost identically to mainstream first moves in rapid and blitz time-controls.
- In online bullet chess, the opening is so popular that 1. b3 has earned the tongue-in-cheek nickname “The Troll Attack.”
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava employed the Modern Variation against Ding Liren in the 2016 Olympiad, uncorking a novelty on move 8 and winning in only 25 moves.
Related Systems
- Queen’s Indian Defence (reversed)
- Catalan Opening (after g3/Bg2 transpositions)
- King’s Indian Attack (when White plays d3, Nbd2 and e4)
Summary
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a flexible, strategically rich flank opening. While it allows Black an imposing classical centre, White’s hidden resources on the dark squares, plus an ability to transpose to multiple favourable structures, make it a potent practical weapon—even at the highest level.