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    Chess Openings

    Nimzo-Larsen Attack

    1.b3 · ECO A01

    Nimzo-Larsen Attack position after 1.b3. White: pawn on b3, pawn on a2, pawn on c2, pawn on d2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7.

    Nimzo-Larsen Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.b3. It is classified A01 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Nimzo-Larsen Attack fianchettoes the queen's bishop immediately, aiming it at e5 and the long diagonal without committing a central pawn. It is a hypermodern system that concedes the centre early in order to attack it from a distance.

    Strategic character

    Flexible and offbeat. White develops behind the pawns and chooses a central structure late, which suits players who prefer to react to their opponent's setup rather than declare their own.

    Who should play it

    Players who want to avoid theory almost entirely and are comfortable in positions guided by understanding rather than preparation.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.b3. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?
    The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.b3. It is classified A01 in the ECO system. The Nimzo-Larsen Attack fianchettoes the queen's bishop immediately, aiming it at e5 and the long diagonal without committing a central pawn. It is a hypermodern system that concedes the centre early in order to attack it from a distance.
    What are the moves of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?
    1.b3. After these moves it is black to move.
    Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack good for beginners?
    Players who want to avoid theory almost entirely and are comfortable in positions guided by understanding rather than preparation.
    What variations come from the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?
    Named continuations include Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation, Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation, Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation, Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation, Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation. There are 11 named variations reachable from this position in total.