The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation

Introduction

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation is a dynamic and flexible opening that arises from the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3) when Black responds in a manner reminiscent of the Dutch Defense (1… f5). This variation allows White to dictate the game’s pace while maintaining control over central and flank squares.

This opening is named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, both of whom were pioneers of hypermodern chess. The Dutch Variation takes on unique characteristics that challenge conventional opening principles by allowing White to prepare a positional squeeze or a direct kingside attack.

This article will explore the history, key ideas, variations, notable grandmasters, expert opinions, and famous games featuring the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation.

Historical Origins

The 1. b3 opening, commonly known as the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, was developed as an alternative to traditional 1. e4 and 1. d4 openings. Bent Larsen, one of the strongest Danish grandmasters, played this system regularly, using it as a way to sidestep deep opening preparation.

The Dutch Variation emerges when Black plays …f5, mirroring ideas from the Dutch Defense but with reversed colors. The Dutch Defense has a rich history, being used by players such as Mikhail Botvinnik, Viktor Korchnoi, and Simon Williams. When White plays 1. b3 f5, they allow for a non-traditional fight where both sides seek dynamic imbalances rather than symmetrical play.

Key Strategic Ideas

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation revolves around several core principles:

Hypermodern Control: White delays immediate central occupation and instead influences the center from the flanks with Bb2 and fianchetto setups.
Flexible Pawn Structures: White can choose between solid positional play or an aggressive kingside expansion.
King’s Indian and Dutch Themes: The game can transpose into a reversed Leningrad Dutch or King’s Indian Attack (KIA) setups.
Surprise Value: Many opponents are unfamiliar with handling the Dutch structure with reversed colors, leading to inaccuracies.
Fianchettoed Bishop Power: The b2 bishop exerts long-range influence, targeting the weakened e5 square after …f5.

Main Variations and Black’s Responses

1. b3 f5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. g3 (Fianchetto Setup)

White adopts a double-fianchetto system, aiming for a stable position with counterplay.

3… e6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. d3 O-O 6. Nd2 – White prepares an e4 pawn break.
3… g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 O-O 6. Nd2 d6 – Transposes into a reversed Leningrad Dutch.

1. b3 f5 2. e4!? (Gambit Approach)

White plays a gambit-like e4, aiming to exploit Black’s premature f5 pawn push.

2… fxe4 3. d3 exd3 4. Bxd3 – White develops quickly with strong piece activity.
2… e5 3. exf5 Nc6 4. Bb5 d6 5. d4 – Leads to an open and aggressive game.

1. b3 f5 2. d4 d5 3. g3 (Flexible Positional Setup)

White plays a flexible setup, aiming for a solid center with kingside counterplay.

3… Nf6 4. Bg2 e6 5. Nf3 Be7 6. O-O O-O – A calm game with strategic maneuvering.
3… e6 4. Bg2 Nf6 5. Nf3 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. c4 – White expands on the queenside.

1. b3 f5 2. Nc3 d5 3. e3 Nf6 4. d4 (Classical Dutch Reversed)

White plays in a reversed Dutch style, controlling key squares before committing to central breaks.

4… e6 5. g3 Be7 6. Bg2 O-O 7. O-O – White maintains a flexible and strategic position.
4… g6 5. Bg2 Bg7 6. Nf3 O-O 7. O-O – Leads to a King’s Indian Attack-like setup.

Notable Grandmasters Who Have Played the Dutch Variation

While not as frequently played at the highest level, several grandmasters have experimented with the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation:

Bent Larsen – The pioneer of 1. b3, occasionally using …f5 ideas.
Magnus Carlsen – Has played 1. b3 with experimental ideas, including early f-pawn advances.
Richard Rapport – A highly creative player who often uses unconventional openings.
Vladimir Kramnik – Has used 1. b3 to avoid mainstream preparation in top-level games.

Grandmaster Opinions on the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation

Advantages

Strong Surprise Factor: Many players are unprepared for 1. b3 f5.
Good for Attacking Play: White can quickly mobilize pieces and launch kingside attacks.
Flexible and Transpositional: Can lead to King’s Indian Attack, Leningrad Dutch Reversed, or Bird’s Opening structures.

Disadvantages

Risky if Overextended: If White overcommits, Black can seize central control.
Requires Precise Move Orders: Incorrect sequencing can leave White with a passive position.
Black Can Equalize with Careful Play: If well-prepared, Black can neutralize White’s plans.

Famous Games Featuring 1. b3 f5 (Dutch Variation)

Game 1: Bent Larsen vs. Ulf Andersson (1979)

1. b3 f5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 O-O 6. Nd2 d6

Larsen gradually built up an attacking kingside structure, leading to an impressive tactical breakthrough.

Game 2: Richard Rapport vs. Hikaru Nakamura (2021)

1. b3 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. d3 exd3 4. Bxd3 d5 5. Nf3 Nf6 6. O-O

Rapport’s aggressive pawn sacrifice allowed him to quickly seize the initiative and dominate the game.

Game 3: Magnus Carlsen vs. Levon Aronian (Blitz 2020)

1. b3 f5 2. Nc3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 e6 5. Nf3 Be7 6. O-O O-O

Carlsen used a flexible setup, later transforming his position into a strategic endgame win.

Conclusion

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation is an exciting, flexible, and surprisingly aggressive opening choice. While it remains a rare guest in top-level chess, it provides dynamic attacking opportunities, making it an excellent weapon in rapid and blitz formats.

Players who enjoy hypermodern play, kingside attacks, and flexible strategies should explore this variation as an offbeat but effective opening choice.