What are the moves of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?

1.b3. After these moves it is black to move.

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.

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Chess Openings

Nimzo-Larsen Attack

1.b3 · ECO A01

♜♞♝♛♚♝♞♜♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♖♘♗♕♔♗♘♖

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.