Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Nf6
Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2…Nf6
Definition
“Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2…Nf6” is an ECO-classified opening line that arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6. It combines ideas from two hyper-modern systems:
- The Reti Opening (1. Nf3), where White initially withholds central pawns, aiming instead at rapid development and piece pressure on the centre.
- The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack (1. b3 or an early b3), in which the fianchettoed bishop on b2 targets the e5- and d4-squares and exerts long-range influence.
The specific hallmark of the variation is Black’s immediate knight development with 2…Nf6, contesting the central light squares and preparing …c5 or …e6.
Basic Move Order
The most common starting sequence is:
1. Nf3 d5
2. b3 Nf6
From here the game can branch into multiple structures. A very typical continuation is 3. Bb2 e6 4. e3 Be7 5. c4 O-O 6. Nc3, reaching a Queen’s Gambit Declined–like set-up, but with the white bishop already on b2 instead of c1.
Strategic Themes & Plans
- Pressure on the long diagonal b2–g7. White’s bishop eyes the g7-square and often supports a later c4 break.
- Flexible centre. White may delay d2-d4, keep the pawn on d2, and play for c2-c4 or e2-e3 followed by d2-d4 under favourable circumstances.
- Black’s counterplay. After 2…Nf6 Black keeps the option of …c5, …e6, or even a King’s Indian-style setup with …g6. The knight on f6 instantly fights for the e4-square, discouraging an early e2-e4 from White.
- Piece placement over pawn occupation. True to hyper-modern principles, both sides place pieces to influence the centre before committing pawns.
Typical Middle-Game Motifs
- White breaks with c4 to undermine d5, sometimes sacrificing the c-pawn for open lines (resembling a Catalan Gambit).
- Kingside activity: if Black fianchettos the king bishop, the b2-bishop teams up with a knight on f3 and queen on e2/h5 to create mating ideas.
- End-game edge: the “good” bishop on b2 can become a strong asset in simplified positions, especially if Black’s light-squared bishop is exchanged.
Historical Significance
The line reflects the intellectual legacy of three hyper-modern pioneers:
- Richard Réti popularised 1. Nf3 in the 1920s, showing that central control could be achieved with pieces rather than immediate pawn occupation.
- Aron Nimzowitsch in the same era explored 1. b3, arguing for the latent strength of the fianchettoed bishop.
- Bent Larsen revived the b3 systems in the 1960s and 70s, defeating world-class opponents (including World Champion Tigran Petrosian) and giving the line its modern name.
The merger of Réti’s knight-first approach with the Larsen bishop fianchetto became a favourite surprise weapon for many grandmasters, including Michael Adams, David Navara, and occasionally Magnus Carlsen.
Illustrative Game
[[Pgn| Nf3|d5| b3|Nf6| Bb2|e6| e3|Be7| c4|O-O| Nc3|c5| cxd5|exd5| d4|cxd4| Nxd4|Nc6| Be2|Nxd4| Qxd4|Be6| O-O|Qa5| Rfd1|Rac8| |fen|r2q1rk1/pp3ppb/4bnp1/q7/3QP3/1PN1P3/PB2BPP1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 14|arrows|b2e5,d4d5|squares|d4,g7 ]]
Adams – Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2005
Adams used the typical c4 break (move 5) to drag the struggle into a dynamic
middle game. Although the game was eventually drawn after 49 moves, it
demonstrated how rapidly White’s pieces spring to life down the long diagonal,
while Black must be precise in the centre.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Petrosian’s shock: In 1966, Bent Larsen defeated reigning World Champion Tigran Petrosian twice with 1. b3. The combined score inspired other players to add Larsen’s systems—even via Réti move orders—to their repertoires.
- Engine Approval: Modern engines evaluate the position after 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 as roughly equal (≈ 0.20), confirming the line’s theoretical soundness.
- Transpositional minefield: The same structure can arise from 1. b3 or even from 1. d4 openings where White later plays Nf3 and b3; therefore the ECO code A01 sometimes hides significant move-order subtleties.
- Psychological weapon: Because Black may be unsure whether to aim for a Queen’s Gambit, King’s Indian, or Slav structure, the variation is a popular choice in rapid and blitz, where surprise value is magnified.
Practical Tips
- For White:
- Be ready to switch plans: If Black plays …c5 early, consider c4 to keep the centre fluid; if Black locks the centre with …c6 and …e6, expand with d3–e4 or a quick g2-g4.
- Do not over-fix the pawn structure; your bishop is strongest while diagonals remain open.
- For Black:
- Fight for e4: a timely …c5 or …e5 can blunt the b2-bishop.
- Be cautious about exchanging the light-squared bishop; keeping it often neutralises White’s diagonal pressure.
Summary
“Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2…Nf6” is a flexible, strategically rich opening that mixes Réti’s piece-first philosophy with Larsen’s b3 fianchetto. It appeals to players who value versatility, long-range piece activity, and the potential to steer opponents away from heavy theory while still maintaining objective soundness.