Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack
Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack
Definition
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is an opening system for White that begins with the move 1. b3 (or, less commonly, 1. Nf3 followed by 2. b3). By fianchettoing the queen’s-bishop to b2, White immediately exerts long-range pressure on the central dark squares—especially e5 and d4—without occupying the center with pawns at once. The opening embodies hyper-modern principles: allow the opponent to build a classical pawn center, then strike at it with pieces and timely pawn breaks such as c4, d4 or e4.
Move-Order & Core Ideas
Most commonly the opening proceeds:
1. b3 (Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack) 1… e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 (typical “Larsen–Nimzo” structure)
Other popular replies for Black are 1…d5, 1…Nf6 or 1…c5, each leading to different strategic battles. White’s set-up is flexible; the bishop on b2 can be buttressed by a later fianchetto of the king’s bishop (g3–Bg2) or complemented by central pawn advances.
Strategic Themes
- Dark-square pressure: The bishop on b2 eyes the vital e5 square from move one, often discouraging Black from an early …e5 advance or proving annoying if Black plays …e5 anyway.
- Delayed central occupation: White often withholds d2–d4 or e2–e4 until pieces are developed, aiming to undermine Black’s center rather than mirror it.
- Piece activity before pawns: Knights commonly land on f3 and c3 (or a3!), rooks swing to the c- and d-files, and the dark-squared bishop can become a monster on the long diagonal if it opens.
- Transpositional flexibility: After 1. b3, the game can transpose to the English, Queen’s Indian structures, Réti, or even certain reversed Dutch positions.
Typical Plans for White
- Quick e2–e4 break after Nf3 to seize central space once pieces are poised to support it.
- c2–c4 undermining against …d5 structures, echoing English Opening ideas.
- Queenside expansion: a2–a4–a5 combined with Bb2 and Qa1 (a famous Larsen maneuver) piling on the long diagonal.
- Double fianchetto: g3–Bg2 for maximum long-diagonal pressure, often followed by d2–d4 strikes.
Typical Plans for Black
- Classical center: …d5, …e5, …Nc6 and …Nf6 to claim space and blunt the bishop.
- Hedgehog setups: After 1…c5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 e6, Black builds a flexible pawn wall and waits.
- Immediate dark-square fight: 1…e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5, challenging the diagonal before it becomes too powerful.
Historical Background
The move 1. b3 was experimented with in the 19th century, but it was championed in the 20th by two creative giants:
- Aaron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935) used 1. Nf3 and 2. b3 to embody hyper-modern ideas he discussed in My System.
- Bent Larsen (1935-2010) popularized the direct 1. b3 in the 1960s-70s, scoring spectacular wins against world-class opponents, including a famous victory over World Champion Tigran Petrosian in 1966.
Illustrative Examples
Example 1: Petrosian vs. Larsen, Bled 1966
Moves: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. Na3 a6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. Nc4 Qe7 8. d3 b5 9. Nxd6+ cxd6
Larsen outplayed the reigning World Champion, demonstrating the latent power of the b2-bishop once the center opened.
Example 2: Fischer vs. Andersson, Siegen Olympiad 1970
Bobby Fischer tried the system (via 1. Nf3) against the Swedish grandmaster Ulf Andersson. The game transposed to a King’s Indian Attack structure showing how 1. b3 can sidestep an opponent’s preparation.
Playable Mini-Game
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Bent Larsen once quipped, “With 1. b3 I put my bishop on the best diagonal first and worry about the rest of my pieces later.”
- During the 1970 USSR vs. Rest of the World match, Larsen opened 1. b3 against Boris Spassky, drawing comfortably and showcasing the system on a huge stage.
- Magnus Carlsen revived the line in rapid & blitz events (e.g., vs. Nepomniachtchi, Lindores Abbey 2020), proving that 1. b3 remains a potent surprise weapon even at the highest level.
- Some modern engines initially underrate 1. b3, but practical results show it scores competitively, especially in shorter time controls.
Practical Tips
- Be ready to transpose—study the English and Réti to feel at home after 1…Nf6 or 1…c5.
- If Black plays an early …e5, consider immediate f4 or d4 pawn breaks to challenge the center while the diagonal is open.
- Watch out for the b2-bishop getting locked behind its own pawn chain if you play e3 and d4 without care.
- In blitz, the surprise value of 1. b3 is high; opponents often overextend trying to refute it.
Summary
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is a flexible, hyper-modern opening that allows creative play, rich strategic battles, and ample room for personal style. Whether used as a primary weapon or an occasional surprise, it remains a respected part of opening theory and an enduring tribute to two of chess history’s most original thinkers.