The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: A Comprehensive Guide to 1. b3

Introduction

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack, characterized by the move 1. b3, is an unorthodox yet highly flexible opening choice in chess. It allows White to develop in a hypermodern fashion, fianchettoing the light-squared bishop early and exerting indirect control over the center. Named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, two great chess innovators, this opening offers rich positional and tactical possibilities.

In this article, we will explore the history, key variations, strategic concepts, famous games, and grandmaster opinions surrounding the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.

Origins and History

The move 1. b3 has been played sporadically for centuries but was not taken seriously as a primary opening choice until the 20th century. Aron Nimzowitsch (1886–1935), one of the leading hypermodern players, was among the first to experiment with it, using it to control the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately with pawns.

The opening gained further prominence due to the efforts of Bent Larsen (1935–2010), a Danish grandmaster known for his original and aggressive play. Larsen frequently employed 1. b3 in high-level competition, defeating some of the world’s best players with it. His impressive victories cemented the opening’s reputation, leading to its association with his name.

In modern times, Grandmasters like Bobby Fischer, Vladimir Kramnik, Richard Rapport, and Magnus Carlsen have occasionally used 1. b3, proving its viability even at the highest levels of chess.

Key Strategic Ideas

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is built around a few core principles:

Fianchettoing the Bishop: White places the light-squared bishop on b2, where it exerts pressure along the long diagonal (a1-h8).
Hypermodern Control of the Center: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but rather controls key squares from a distance.
Flexibility and Transpositional Possibilities: White can transpose into various structures, including the English Opening, Queen’s Indian Attack, or even reversed Sicilian setups.
Surprise Factor: Many players are unfamiliar with the deep subtleties of 1. b3, making it an effective psychological weapon.
Counterattacking Potential: The development of pieces is aimed at creating counterplay rather than static positions.

Main Variations and Black’s Responses

1. b3 e5 (Classical Response)

One of the most common replies by Black is 1…e5, seizing central space immediately.

2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 – White exerts pressure on e5 and prepares to challenge the center.
2. Bb2 d6 3. e3 g6 – A double fianchetto system, leading to a strategic battle.

1. b3 d5 (Queen’s Pawn Response)

A solid response from Black, aiming to establish central control.

2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 – White can aim for a Nimzo-Indian-like setup.
2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 e5 4. Bb5 Bd6 – Leads to sharp play if White follows up with f4.

1. b3 c5 (Sicilian-Style Setup)

Black tries to transpose into a Sicilian-like structure.

2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 e5 – A standard approach, leading to double-edged positions.
2. Nf3 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 – White gets flexibility in development.

1. b3 Nf6 (Flexible Development)

Black develops naturally, keeping their options open.

2. Bb2 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. e3 d6 – A double fianchetto leads to a slow positional game.
2. Bb2 e6 3. e3 d5 4. f4 – White can adopt an aggressive Dutch-like setup.

Notable Grandmasters and Players Who Have Used 1. b3

Several strong players have used the Nimzo-Larsen Attack with success:

Bent Larsen – The main champion of this opening, frequently employing it in top tournaments.
Bobby Fischer – Used 1. b3 in several games, including his famous win against Robert Wade in 1970.
Vladimir Kramnik – Former World Champion, known for experimenting with hypermodern openings.
Magnus Carlsen – Has played 1. b3 in rapid and blitz games, sometimes catching opponents off guard.
Richard Rapport – A modern grandmaster who enjoys unorthodox openings, including 1. b3.

Grandmaster Opinions on the Nimzo-Larsen Attack

Pros

Highly flexible: Can transpose into multiple openings.
Unfamiliar for most opponents: Creates early imbalances.
Avoids deep theoretical battles: Useful for players who dislike memorization.
Good for positional players: Leads to slow, maneuvering games.

Cons

Black can easily equalize: A well-prepared opponent can seize central space.
Requires precise move orders: Can lead to passive positions if White plays inaccurately.
Not a frequent choice in elite play: Used as a secondary weapon rather than a main repertoire choice.

Famous Games Featuring 1. b3

Game 1: Bobby Fischer vs. Robert Wade (1970)

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. f4 Qe7 6. Nf3 f6 7. fxe5 fxe5 8. O-O

Fischer showcased an aggressive plan with f4, achieving a strong kingside attack and winning convincingly.

Game 2: Bent Larsen vs. Boris Spassky (1970)

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. f4 exf4 6. Bxg7 Qh4+ 7. Kf1

Larsen played 1. b3 in his Candidates match against Spassky but suffered a crushing defeat. This game highlighted the risks associated with early aggression in this opening.

Game 3: Magnus Carlsen vs. Levon Aronian (Blitz 2019)

1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. Bb5+ Nc6 5. f4

Carlsen used 1. b3 effectively in a blitz setting, leveraging its surprise factor to outplay Aronian.

Conclusion

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3) is a fascinating opening choice that offers flexibility, creativity, and psychological advantages. Though not as mainstream as 1. e4 or 1. d4, it remains a powerful weapon for those who understand its nuances.

For players who enjoy hypermodern strategies, maneuvering battles, and offbeat ideas, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack can be a valuable addition to their repertoire.