Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation

Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation

Definition

The Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation is the line reached after 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 (or 1. Nf3 followed soon by b3 and Bb2, whatever Black’s first move). It merges the flexible first-move knight development of the Zukertort Opening (1. Nf3) with the queenside fianchetto ideas of the Nimzo-Larsen Opening (1. b3). ECO normally files it under A06–A07.

Historical Background

• 1. Nf3 was popularised in the 19th century by Johannes Zukertort as a universal system ready to transpose almost anywhere.
• Bent Larsen and Aron Nimzowitsch, separated by half a century, championed the immediate 1. b3; when Zukertort’s 1. Nf3 is blended with a quick b3 the nickname “Nimzo-Larsen Variation” is attached.
• Modern practitioners include Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian and Richard Rapport, who use the line as a surprise weapon to dodge heavy opening theory.

Strategic Ideas

• Queenside fianchetto: The bishop on b2 eyes the long diagonal (a1–h8), influencing the centre without committing a central pawn early.
• Flexibility: 1. Nf3 keeps options open—White may steer toward reversed Queen’s Indian, Catalan-type positions, English-style setups, or even King’s Indian Attack structures.
• Delayed central clash: White often withholds e2-e4 or d2-d4 until the middlegame, inviting Black to over-extend.
• Minor-piece play: The early Bb2 and Nf3 often lead to manoeuvring battles where piece activity trumps space.

Typical Move Orders

1. 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 3. Bb2 c5 4. e3 a6 5. d4 Nc6 ↔ Reversed Queen’s Indian.
2. 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. b3 g6 3. Bb2 Bg7 4. c4 O-O 5. g3 d6 → King’s Indian Attack hybrid.
3. 1. Nf3 c5 2. b3 Nc6 3. Bb2 d5 4. e3 a6 5. d4 Nf6 → Symmetrical English themes.

Model Game

Magnus Carlsen – David Navara, Biel 2012
A neat illustration of central flexibility turning into initiative.

Plans for White

• Undermine d5 with c2-c4 or e2-e4 after adequate preparation.
• Rapidly castle kingside and pressure the c-file once c2-c4 is played.
• Transfer the queen’s knight via d2-f3-g5 or c3-e2 to aim at f7/h7 when Black fianchettoes.
• If Black commits …c5 and …d5, target the d5 pawn complex using minority‐attack ideas b2-b4-b5.

Plans for Black

• Occupy the centre early with …d5 and …c5, making Bb2 bite on granite.
• Challenge the b2 bishop via …Ba3 or …Ba6 after …b6, exchanging a key attacker.
• Adopt a Queen’s Indian formation: …Nf6, …e6, …b6, …Bb7, and later strike with …d5 or …c5.
• Seize kingside space with …g6 and …f5, using the fact that White is slightly behind in central pawn development.

Common Middlegame Themes

• Light-square battles: Because White’s fianchetto bishop controls light squares, Black must decide whether to contest them with …b6/…Bb7 or exchange.
• Isolated queen’s pawn: If Black plays an early …c5 and trades on d4, an IQP position can arise where White’s piece activity becomes critical.
• Reversed openings: Many structures mirror Queen’s Indian, Catalan, or English systems but with colors reversed and an extra tempo for White.

Common Pitfalls

1. Premature e2-e4: Playing e4 too early can allow …dxe4 followed by …Nd7 and …e5, yielding Black a strong centre.
2. Neglecting the back-rank bishop: If White delays Bb2 and Black breaks with …e5, the rook on a1 and bishop on c1 can become spectators.
3. Over-expansion with c4 and d4: White may end up with weak light–square complexes (c3, d3) if these pawn breaks are mistimed.

Illustrative Tactical Motif

A thematic skewer arises after …Ba3 hitting the fianchetto bishop and the rook on c1: if White is careless, the exchange falls. Always watch the diagonal!

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Bent Larsen once opened every game of the 1970 Palma de Mallorca Interzonal with 1. b3 – and qualified for the Candidates!
• When he switched move orders to 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3, he joked that “Even strong GMs forget their preparation if you put the bishop on b2 first.”
• Magnus Carlsen has occasionally employed the line in rapid events to avoid deep computer preparation, citing its “comfortable piece play.”
• The opening owns the rare honor of being named after three grandmasters from different eras: Zukertort (1800s), Nimzowitsch (1920s) and Larsen (1960s).

Related Openings

• Nimzo-Larsen Opening (1. b3)
• Zukertort Opening (1. Nf3 without early b3)
• Catalan Opening (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3) – similar kingside fianchetto ideas
• Queen’s Indian Defense reversed (for structures with …b6, …Bb7 vs. Bb2)

Why Play It?

If you enjoy flexible, system-based openings that sidestep heavy theory, reward good piece placement, and still carry bite against unprepared opponents, the Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation is well worth a place in your repertoire.