Nimzo-Larsen Attack

Nimzo-Larsen Attack is an uncommon chess opening that starts with the move 1. b3. It's named after two grandmasters, Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen. The move aims to control the dark squares and prepares to fianchetto the bishop on b2. Its strength lies in its flexibility and surprise factor, catching opponents off guard. However, it can be difficult to play since it requires good positional understanding and improvisation skills. On the downside, it also gives up the center early on and can be responded to with aggressive play from black. Nevertheless, for players who enjoy unorthodox openings, Nimzo-Larsen Attack can be a fun and effective weapon.

Nimzo-Larsen Attack, move by move

b3

-0.18

In the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, White starts the game with the move 1. b3. This move serves to develop the bishop to a strong diagonal, while avoiding some of the main opening lines and giving Black less opportunities for counterplay. By developing the bishop to b2 on the next move, White can control the center and put pressure on Black's position. Additionally, by delaying the development of the knight, White keeps the option of playing it to f3 or d3 depending on the situation.

Play on the board

How to play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack

Nimzo-Larsen Attack can catch opponents off guard with the move 1. b3.

The idea is to prepare a fianchetto of the light-squared bishop and mainly control the dark squares.

White can adapt to different pawn structures depending on their choice of moves.

Having good positional skills is key to playing this opening properly.

Players should be ready to improvise and be flexible in their development plan.

How to counter the Nimzo-Larsen Attack

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is an opening move in chess that starts with 1. b3. While it’s not a popular choice among the top-level players, it’s a tricky one for beginners and intermediate players. One of the ways to counter this opening is to develop your pieces quickly and put more pressure on the center control. You can also play d5, which is a strong response that puts a stop to the b3 move's ambitions to control the central squares. Another way to counter this opening is to deploy your knights and bishops to create a cramp in the white’s positioning, making it harder for them to maneuver their pieces around.

Pawn structure in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack

Nimzo-Larsen Attack typically results in a pawn structure with a closed center and fixed pawns.

White's pawn on b3 supports a potential pawn push to c4, but it also weakens the c3 square.

Sometimes, the black pawn on d5 puts pressure on the pawn on c4, and white must be ready to deal with this potential weakness.

Two important squares for white are d4 and e4, which can give the pieces good activity and control of the board.

Black can try to gain space and target the weakened c3 square to play aggressively.

The papachess advice

Nimzo-Larsen Attack is not just a fun and flexible opening to play, but it also offers some strategic and surprising elements that can surprise opponents at any level. The move 1. b3 allows White to control the dark squares and adapt to different pawn structures that- with proper play- can give white a positional advantage. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that this opening also carries some risks that can lead to consequences that can only be resolved with a good positional understanding and improvisation skills. Whether it's played for fun, to surprise an opponent, or just to add diversity to your repertoire, Nimzo-Larsen Attack promises an exciting and dynamic game.