Nimzo–Larsen (1. b3) – Larsen Attack
Nimzo–Larsen (1. b3)
Definition
The Nimzo–Larsen, also known as the Larsen Attack or Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack, is the chess opening that begins with the flank move 1. b3. White immediately prepares to fianchetto the queen’s bishop to b2, exerting long-range pressure on the central light squares—especially e5 and d4—and on the a1–h8 diagonal. The ECO codes most frequently associated with the opening are A01 and A04.
Historical Background
The move 1. b3 was first experimented with by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s, but it was Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen who popularized it in top-level play during the 1960s and 1970s. Larsen used it as a surprise weapon against even the strongest opponents, scoring notable victories against World Champions Petrosian and Tal. The line’s double name honors both innovators: Nimzowitsch for his hypermodern ideas, and Larsen for his practical success.
Typical Move Orders
Although the purest form is 1. b3, the same structures can arise via transposition:
- Direct: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 …
- Réti move-order: 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 3. Bb2 …
- English move-order: 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. b3 …
Strategic Themes
- Light-square pressure: The fianchettoed bishop on b2 eyes the e5-square and can become a monster if the long diagonal opens.
- Flexible center: White often delays committing central pawns, choosing between c4, d4, or e3 depending on Black’s setup.
- Queenside space: The pawn on b3 controls a4 and c4, discouraging …c5 or …a5 breaks.
- Piece play over pawn breaks: Because central space is deferred, piece activity and rapid development are paramount.
- Potential transpositions: The opening can morph into Catalan, Queen’s Indian, Colle–Zukertort, or reversed Dutch structures.
Typical Plans for White
- Fianchetto both bishops (g2 and b2) and strike with c4 or e4.
- Play for an early f4 (the “Spike” variation) to seize kingside space.
- Use a Zukertort-style setup: Nf3, d4, e3, Bd3, 0-0, c4 with slow central pressure.
Typical Plans for Black
- Classical center: …d5 and …e5, blunting the bishop.
- Early …e5 and …Nc6 aiming for rapid piece activity (Spassky’s recipe).
- Queen’s Indian style: …Nf6, …b6, …Bb7, preparing …c5.
- Reversed Dutch: …f5 setups to fight for the long diagonal.
Illustrative Game
Bent Larsen – Boris Spassky, “Match of the Century,” Belgrade 1970
A cautionary tale for White:
Spassky’s aggressive 1…e5 line neutralized the long diagonal and exploited the temporary neglect of White’s kingside, leading to a rare short defeat for the opening’s chief advocate.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because Bent Larsen sometimes opened with 1. b3 against virtually anyone, Soviet players jokingly called it the “B3-Bomb.”
- The opening enjoyed a renaissance when GM Baadur Jobava used it in rapid and blitz games, scoring upset wins versus 2700-rated opponents.
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen has occasionally wheeled out 1. b3 in online events to steer the game away from computer-prepared main lines.
- Grandmasters who specialize in the opening often keep a separate file of quirky sidelines nicknamed the “Larsen Cookbook.”
Common Transpositions & Pitfalls
- After 1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 c5, play can enter a reversed Queen’s Indian; knowing Queen’s Indian structures is essential.
- The premature “Spike” attack 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. f4?! often backfires if Black responds energetically with …exf4 and …Qh4+.
- Allowing …e5–e4 when your knight is still on g1 can leave the queenside bishop biting on granite.
Practical Usage Today
The Nimzo–Larsen remains a respected surprise choice in classical time controls and a fashionable main weapon in rapid and blitz. Its low-theory footprint and flexible nature appeal to club players, while the strategic richness attracts creative grandmasters looking to sidestep deep engine preparation.