Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a chess opening that begins with 1. b3. The opening is named after the Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen, who popularized it in the 1970s.

The Modern Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack involves playing 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3.

This opening aims to control the center of the board with the bishop on b2, and puts pressure on black's pawn on e5.

One of the main strengths of this opening is its flexibility. It allows white to adjust their play depending on how black responds.

However, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is not without its weaknesses. It may lead to a slower development of white's pieces, which could give black an advantage in the early stages of the game.

In sum, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a good option for players who want to vary their opening repertoire and surprise their opponent with an unconventional move. However, it may require some study and practice to master.

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation, move by move

b3

-0.18

In the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation, White starts with the move b3. This move is aimed to control the dark squares and restrain Black's pawn on the e5 square. It also prepares for the development of the dark-squared bishop to b2, putting pressure on the long diagonal. The move b3 also allows for flexible and dynamic pawn structure, giving White a range of possible pawn breaks. In sum, the aim of this opening is to create imbalances and pressure on Black's position from the start.

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e5

+0.4

After the move 1. b3, Black wants to play e5 to seize the center and challenge White's pawn on b3. By playing e5, Black aims to gain more space and relieve the pressure on the e7-pawn. The move e5 also prepares for central pawn breaks, such as d5 or f5, and allows for the development of the knight on f6. However, Black's pawn on e5 can become a target for White's pieces, and may also lead to a more closed position that limits Black's attacking options.

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Bb2

+0.06

After the moves 1. b3 e5, White wants to play Bb2 to develop their dark-squared bishop and put pressure on Black's pawn on e5. The bishop on b2 also helps control the long diagonal and contributes to White's control of the dark squares. Additionally, by playing Bb2, White prepares for castling kingside and connecting the rooks, which will improve their overall piece coordination. However, it is important to note that moving the bishop out early may lead to some empty squares in White's position, which Black may try to exploit.

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Nc6

+0.45

In the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation, after 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2, Black wants to play Nc6 to continue their development and put pressure on White's e6-pawn. Additionally, the knight on c6 prepares for central pawn breaks, such as d5 or f5. By placing the knight on a central square, Black also gains more control over the board, which can lead to a more dynamic position. However, it's important to note that the knight on c6 may become a target for White's pieces, especially since it is blocking the c-pawn and potentially limiting Black's pawn structure.

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e3

-0.27

After the moves 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6, White wants to play e3 to support their pawn on d4. This move allows White to further control the center and prepare for the development of their light-squared bishop. The pawn on e3 also creates a solid pawn structure, which protects the king and limits Black's attacking options. Additionally, by playing e3, White can potentially open up the possibility of playing f4 in the future, which can lead to a more aggressive and attacking position. However, it's important to consider the potential weaknesses that the pawn on e3 may create in the pawn structure, and be aware of Black's potential counterplay related to these weaknesses.

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How to play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation begins with 1. b3, followed by Bb2 and e3. This opening intends to contest control of the center with the bishop on b2 while putting pressure on Black's pawn on e5.

White typically follows up with d3 to protect the pawn on e4, and then develops the knight to f3 to bolster the center.

The queen will be brought out to d2 or c1 after castling, which increases the pressure on e5, but may also block the bishop's diagonal depending on how black develops.

From there, white can decide to castle king-side and push their pawns to attack Black's king or castle queen-side to put pressure on Black's weak queen-side pawn structure.

In sum, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a flexible system opening that requires patience and planning, but can often catch Black off-guard and lead to a favorable position.

How to counter the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation can be a challenging opening to play against, but there are a few countermeasures that can make White's position less desirable.

One approach is to contest White's pawn on b3 by playing d5 or c5 early in the game, which slows down White's development and reduces pressure on Black's pawn structure.

Another option is to exchange pieces and occupy the center with pawns, forcing White to react defensively and limiting their options.

If possible, aim to complete development of the pieces quickly and castle, while keeping an eye out for opportunities to attack or exploit weaknesses in White's position.

Be prepared for White to play passively, as the nature of the opening allows for flexibility, which means White can switch to different systems depending on Black's moves.

In sum, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation can be neutralized with careful play and solid defense, so don't be daunted by its initial surprise factor.

Pawn structure in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

The pawn structure in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is dynamic and varies depending on the moves played by both sides.

White's pawns typically line up on b3, d3, e3, and f2, with black pawns on e6 and d6.

The doubled pawns on d3 and d6 can be a weakness for both sides, depending on how they develop their pieces.

Black often has a pawn on e5, which may come under attack from White's bishop on b2, so it's important to protect it or exchange pieces to alleviate the pressure.

In sum, the pawn structure in this opening requires careful planning and adaptation to succeed.

The papachess advice

Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation is a flexible and unconventional opening that can catch your opponent off-guard. Its versatility allows for a range of strategies and options for both White and Black. The opening's strengths include its surprise factor, potential control of the center, and flexibility. But it is not without its weaknesses, such as slower development and possible pawn structure weakening. To counter it, Black can contest the b3 pawn and occupy the center with pawns. The overall pawn structure varies depending on the moves played by both sides. It is a moderate opening that requires patience, planning, and adaptation. Finally, mastering Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation requires study and practice to become fully proficient.