Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Bg4

Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2…Bg4

Definition

The term “Réti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2…Bg4” refers to a specific branch of the Réti Opening that begins with 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. b3 Bg4. After White’s second-move queenside fianchetto (the Nimzowitsch-Larsen idea), Black replies with 2…Bg4, developing the dark-squared bishop while pinning the f3-knight to the queen. The line is catalogued in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings as A06.

Typical Move Order

1. Nf3 Nf6 2. b3 Bg4 3. Bb2 …
Possible continuations include:

• 3…e6 4.e3 d5 → a Queen’s-Indian-style structure.
• 3…g6 4.g3 Bg7 → a double fianchetto, reminiscent of the Catalan.
• 3…c5 4.e3 Nc6 → play can transpose to an English Opening.

Strategic Ideas for White

• Central Flexibility. By delaying pawn advances, White keeps the option of c2-c4, d2-d4, or even e2-e3/e4, choosing the most appropriate pawn break after Black reveals their setup.
• Fianchetto Coordination. The bishops on b2 and g2 (after g3 and Bg2) can create powerful long-range pressure on the a1–h8 and b1–h7 diagonals.
• Breaking the Pin. The early …Bg4 pin is annoying but temporary; White often replies with 3.h3, 4.g4, or simply 3.Bb2 followed by Nbd2 or e2-e3 to unpin.
• Transpositional Weapon. Because the position is not yet fixed, White can steer play toward Queen’s Indian, Catalan, or English structures according to taste.

Strategic Ideas for Black

• Early Activity. 2…Bg4 develops a piece to an active square and discourages White from playing e2-e4 in one move.
• Central Counterpunch. Black often follows the bishop sortie with …d5 or …c5 to seize space in the center while White reorganizes.
• Queenside Play. In several lines Black aims for …c5 and …Nc6, challenging the b2-bishop and preparing …b5 or …Qa5.

Illustrative Mini-Game

[[Pgn|Nf3|Nf6|b3|Bg4|Bb2|e6|e3|d5|h3|Bh5|c4|Be7| fen|rnbqk2r/ppp1bppp/4pn2/3p2b1/2P5/1P2PN1P/PB1P1PP1/RN1QKB1R|arrows|b2g7,d1a4|squares|g7]]

The diagram (after 6…Be7) shows a typical position: Black has developed smoothly, but White is ready for g2-g4 or d2-d4, opening play for the bishops.

Historical Notes

• Richard Réti (1889-1929) popularized 1.Nf3 systems that postpone committing central pawns.
• Aron Nimzowitsch and later Bent Larsen (especially during the 1960s-70s) championed the early queenside fianchetto 1.b3 or 2.b3, adding their names to the opening.
• The 2…Bg4 line itself gained attention after Larsen employed it from the White side, provoking defenders to seek active counterplay with …Bg4.

Example from Practice

Larsen – Petrosian, Palma de Mallorca 1971 featured the move order 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.b3 Bg4 3.Bb2 e6 4.g3 d5 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O, after which Larsen steered the game into a slow manoeuvring struggle and eventually won in 45 moves by exploiting the long diagonal pressure.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the position can transpose into several other openings, top players use 2…Bg4 as a psychological weapon, keeping opponents guessing about the middlegame they will face.
• The line occasionally appears at elite level in rapid and blitz events – for example, Carlsen – So, Oslo Blitz 2022, where Carlsen answered 2…Bg4 with the provocative 3.Ne5!?.
• Engines evaluate the initial position after 2…Bg4 as roughly equal (≈ 0.20 at depth 40) but with rich imbalance, making it attractive for fighting chess.