Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation position after 1.b3 b6. 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 c7, pawn on d7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on b6.
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.b3 b6. It is classified A01 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white 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.
This line is a variation within the Nimzo-Larsen Attack family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.b3 b6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation?
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.b3 b6. 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: Symmetrical Variation?
1.b3 b6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation good for beginners?
Players who want to avoid theory almost entirely and are comfortable in positions guided by understanding rather than preparation.