The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

Introduction

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation, characterized by the move 1. b3 followed by c4, is a refined version of the hypermodern Nimzo-Larsen Attack. This variation borrows elements from the English Opening, aiming to control the center from a distance while maintaining flexible piece development.

This article delves into the history, key variations, strategic concepts, notable players, grandmaster insights, and famous games associated with the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation.

Origins and History

The 1. b3 opening has been a part of chess for centuries, but it gained prominence in the 20th century, largely due to the influence of Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen. While the classical Nimzo-Larsen Attack involves placing the light-squared bishop on b2 and playing e3 to prepare for piece development, the English Variation diverges with an early c4, reminiscent of the English Opening.

This variation was explored by Bent Larsen, who sought to create flexible yet dynamic positions. Later, it found favor among players like Vladimir Kramnik, Magnus Carlsen, and Richard Rapport, who have used it in various formats.

Key Strategic Ideas

The English Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack revolves around:

Fianchettoing the Bishop: Placing the light-squared bishop on b2 to control the long diagonal (a1-h8).
Early c4 Advance: Playing c4 to influence the center, often leading to English or Queen’s Indian-style positions.
Hypermodern Approach: White exerts central control without directly occupying it with pawns.
Flexibility in Transpositions: White can steer the game into structures resembling the English Opening, Queen’s Indian Attack, or Hedgehog Systems.
Surprise Factor: Many opponents are unfamiliar with the subtleties of 1. b3 c4, giving White an early psychological advantage.

Main Variations and Black’s Responses

1. b3 e5 2. c4 (Classical Response)

Black grabs central space with 1…e5 and White immediately challenges it with c4.

2…Nc6 3. Bb2 d5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3 Qd7 6. e3 – White builds a strong positional structure, reminiscent of reversed Sicilian setups.
2…Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 Re8 – Leads to complex maneuvering positions.

1. b3 d5 2. c4 (Queen’s Pawn Response)

Black adopts a classical approach, controlling the center.

2…e6 3. Bb2 Nf6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. e3 O-O – White can steer the game into a Queen’s Indian Defense-like setup.
2…dxc4 3. bxc4 Nc6 4. g3 e5 – White allows Black to establish a central pawn duo but gains dynamic play.

1. b3 c5 2. c4 (Sicilian-Style Setup)

Black plays in Sicilian fashion, leading to sharp counterplay.

2…d6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. g3 g6 5. Bg2 Bg7 – A double fianchetto system leading to a positional struggle.
2…e6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Be2 Be7 – A Hedgehog-like setup that allows White to dictate the pace.

1. b3 Nf6 2. c4 (Flexible Development)

Black develops naturally, avoiding immediate pawn advances.

2…g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. Nf3 d6 – White can play in King’s Indian Attack style.
2…e6 3. Bb2 d5 4. e3 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O – Leads to reversed Queen’s Indian positions.

Notable Grandmasters and Players Who Have Used 1. b3 c4

Several top-level players have experimented with this variation:

Bent Larsen – Used 1. b3 frequently, including variations involving c4.
Vladimir Kramnik – Former World Champion who played 1. b3 c4 in rapid and classical formats.
Magnus Carlsen – Occasionally employs 1. b3, sometimes incorporating c4 into his strategy.
Richard Rapport – A creative grandmaster known for his offbeat opening choices, including 1. b3 c4.

Grandmaster Opinions on the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation

Pros

Strategic flexibility: Allows transpositions into familiar openings like the English and Queen’s Indian.
Central control: White influences the center while maintaining structural solidity.
Surprise weapon: Many players are unprepared for this variation.
Good for maneuvering players: Encourages slow, strategic play over immediate tactical skirmishes.

Cons

Requires precise move orders: Incorrect sequences can lead to an inferior position.
Black has multiple equalizing options: Proper play allows Black to neutralize White’s advantage.
Not frequently played in elite tournaments: More of a secondary weapon than a mainstay opening.

Famous Games Featuring 1. b3 c4

Game 1: Bent Larsen vs. Ulf Andersson (1975)

1. b3 e5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Bb2 d5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3 Qd8 6. e3 Nf6 7. Bb5

Larsen utilized a strong positional approach, outplaying Andersson with a slow buildup.

Game 2: Vladimir Kramnik vs. Vishy Anand (2008)

1. b3 d5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Bb2 e6 4. e3 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 c5 7. O-O

Kramnik employed 1. b3 c4 to transition into a Queen’s Indian structure, leading to a complex positional battle against Anand.

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

1. b3 c5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nf3 g6 4. g3 Bg7 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O e5

Carlsen used the English Variation effectively, gaining a solid position before outmaneuvering Aronian in the endgame.

Conclusion

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation is a fascinating choice that offers strategic depth, flexibility, and positional advantages. While not a common mainline opening at elite levels, it remains a valuable weapon for those who enjoy hypermodern structures and maneuvering play.

For players who favor fluid pawn structures and deep strategic planning, incorporating 1. b3 c4 into their repertoire can be a powerful asset.