Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation is a rare chess opening that begins with 1. b3 c5. This opening is highly flexible and can transpose into other variations depending on the opponent's responses.

One of the key strengths of this opening is the surprise element it brings. Players who are unfamiliar with the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation often struggle to find an immediate response, giving the player an advantage in the early stages of the game.

Another advantage of this opening is the potential for quick development of the light-squared bishop. The move b3 allows the bishop to immediately open up and control critical squares like c4 and d3.

However, this opening can also lead to a pawn weakness on b3 that the opponent can exploit. Additionally, some players may find it challenging to navigate and find the right follow-up moves that can fully capitalize on the advantages it offers.

In sum, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation is a dynamic opening that offers a mix of advantages and potential drawbacks. It requires a strong understanding of strategic chess principles and a willingness to adapt to the opponent's responses in order to fully utilize its strengths.

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation, move by move

b3

-0.18

In the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation, white starts with the move b3. This move is known as the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, named after the Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch and the Danish chess player Bent Larsen. The purpose of b3 is to control the dark squares, and it also prepares to develop the bishop to b2. The move is often used to confuse black and throw them off balance. By playing b3, white creates a more flexible position, with several different options in terms of piece development.

Play on the board

c5

+0.21

After white plays b3, black often responds with c5. The move c5 is strategically sound because it helps to control the center of the board by occupying the square d4. Additionally, c5 prepares to develop black's pieces, specifically the queen's knight and the dark-squared bishop. This pawn push also limits white's options and can prevent white from advancing their d-pawn and eventually playing d4. By playing c5, black hopes to gain more space in the center of the board and limit white's development.

Play on the board

How to play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation begins with 1. b3 c5. The idea is simple and flexible - put your bishop on the long diagonal and control key squares. Develop your light-squared bishop to b2 and knights to the center. This opening can lead to a variety of transpositions, so it's important to be familiar with the resulting positions. Keep in mind the potential pawn weakness on b3 and stay alert for opponent's counterattacks.

How to counter the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation can be countered by playing strategic, solid moves. Control the center and prevent white from further developing their pieces. Consider an early d5 push to challenge the dark-squared bishop and add counter pressure on white's center. Be aware of the potential pawn weakness on b3. Remember to play patiently, as White may be waiting for you to make a misstep before striking back with a deadly attack.

Pawn structure in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

The pawn structure in Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation is fairly standard. White's pawn structure includes pawns on b3, c2, d2, e2, and f2. Black's pawn structure is similar to that of the Sicilian Defense with pawns on c5, d6, e7 and sometimes f5 or b6. Playing d5 as Black can transform the structure into a more symmetrical pawn formation. The b3 pawn can be a potential weakness, so it's important to be aware of the possibility of sacrifices and counterattacks. Ultimately, the pawn structure will depend on the specific transposition resulting from the opening play.

The papachess advice

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation is a dynamic and flexible opening that offers many different lines of play for both White and Black. It can lead to both hypermodern and classical positions, and has the potential to surprise and disrupt opponents. The early bishop development and control of critical squares give White a strong attacking position. However, this opening also comes with potential pitfalls, such as the b3 pawn weakness and the need to be familiar with a variety of possible transpositions. In sum, Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation requires a deep understanding of strategic chess principles and a willingness to adapt to the opponent's move choices. With the proper preparation and execution, this opening can prove to be a powerful weapon in a player's repertoire.