The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack

Introduction

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack is an aggressive variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3), featuring early dynamic play that challenges conventional opening principles. It is a lesser-known but potent weapon, offering White hypermodern control, rapid piece development, and attacking chances against unprepared opponents.

This opening draws inspiration from Bent Larsen, who pioneered 1. b3, and has been played in various forms by creative players seeking to avoid mainstream opening theory. The Graz Attack, in particular, is characterized by White’s willingness to develop actively and launch an early assault on Black’s position.

This article explores the history, key ideas, variations, notable grandmasters, expert opinions, and famous games featuring the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack.

Origins and Historical Development

The 1. b3 opening, known as the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, has been played since the 19th century but gained serious attention in the 20th century, thanks to Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen. The Graz Attack is a more dynamic and aggressive take on this system, designed to catch Black off guard and create tactical complications early in the game.

While Larsen himself often played 1. b3 in a more positional style, the Graz Attack introduces early pawn thrusts and rapid piece activity, making it more suitable for attacking players. The name “Graz Attack” comes from its use in lesser-known tournaments and analysis by enthusiasts looking for an ambitious way to handle the Nimzo-Larsen setup.

Key Strategic Ideas

The Graz Attack revolves around the following core principles:

1. Fianchettoed Bishop on b2: White places the light-squared bishop on b2, influencing the long diagonal and attacking central squares indirectly.
2. Early d3 and f4 Advances: White often plays d3 and f4 to create an attacking stance, making it more aggressive than standard Nimzo-Larsen setups.
3. Hypermodern Control: White delays direct central occupation, instead applying pressure from a distance.
4. Surprise Value: Many opponents are unfamiliar with this variation, leading to early mistakes.
5. Transpositional Flexibility: Depending on Black’s response, White can steer the game into King’s Indian Attack (KIA), Dutch Defense reversed, or even Bird’s Opening structures.

Main Variations and Black’s Responses

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. f4 (Aggressive Setup)

White aims to seize control of the center and launch an early kingside attack.

• 3…exf4 4. Nf3 d5 5. e3 fxe3 6. dxe3 – White builds an open position with attacking chances.
• 3…d6 4. e3 g6 5. Bb5 Bg7 6. Nf3 – A flexible structure similar to the King’s Indian Attack.

1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 (Solid Setup)

White prepares a flexible pawn structure, delaying the commitment of the f-pawn.

• 3…Nf6 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. d3 O-O 6. Nd2 – White develops normally, eyeing future kingside expansion.
• 3…e5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. f4 – A more aggressive approach, challenging Black’s central control.

1. b3 c5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 e5 4. Bb5 (Pin Variation)

White employs an early bishop pin, reminiscent of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

• 4…Nge7 5. f4 exf4 6. Nh3 – White seeks attacking chances on the kingside.
• 4…d6 5. f4 Bd7 6. Nf3 – Leads to complex middlegame positions.

1. b3 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. f4 (King’s Indian Reversed)

White prepares for a King’s Indian-style attack.

• 3…Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 – White builds a flexible structure with potential kingside expansion.
• 3…d5 4. Nf3 O-O 5. g3 – White adopts a fianchetto system for long-term pressure.

Notable Grandmasters Who Have Played the Graz Attack

Although the Graz Attack is not as mainstream as other variations, several strong players have employed it:

• Bent Larsen – Experimented with aggressive pawn pushes in Nimzo-Larsen structures.
• Richard Rapport – Known for his unorthodox and creative play, sometimes using 1. b3 in aggressive setups.
• Magnus Carlsen – Has played 1. b3 in online rapid and blitz games, incorporating early f4 ideas.
• Baadur Jobava – A creative player who frequently uses b3 in aggressive ways.

Grandmaster Opinions on the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack

Advantages

• Strong Surprise Factor: Many players are unprepared for this variation.
• Flexible Strategy: Can transpose into various attacking setups.
• Good for Rapid and Blitz: Works well in fast time controls where opponents struggle to find the best defensive setup.

Disadvantages

• Risky if Overextended: Overambitious pawn advances can lead to weaknesses.
• Requires Precise Move Orders: Wrong sequences can lead to an inferior position.
• Black Has Solid Responses: If well-prepared, Black can equalize comfortably.

Famous Games Featuring 1. b3 f4 (Graz Attack)

Game 1: Bent Larsen vs. Tigran Petrosian (1979)

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. f4 d6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Bb5 Bd7 6. Nf3 e4 7. Ng5

Larsen aggressively expanded, leading to a tactical battle where Petrosian defended well.

Game 2: Richard Rapport vs. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2021)

1. b3 g6 2. Bb2 Bg7 3. f4 d5 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e3 O-O 6. Be2 c5

Rapport used the Graz Attack to create imbalance, ultimately achieving a strong attack against MVL’s king.

Game 3: Magnus Carlsen vs. Hikaru Nakamura (Blitz 2020)

1. b3 d5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 e5 4. f4 exf4 5. exf4 Nf6

Carlsen used the Graz Attack aggressively in a fast-paced game, creating tactical opportunities before winning in an endgame squeeze.

Conclusion

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack is a fascinating and aggressive option for White, offering early attacking opportunities while maintaining flexibility. It thrives in surprise situations, especially in rapid and blitz play, where unprepared opponents may struggle to find the best defensive resources.

Although not widely played at the highest level, it remains a powerful weapon for those who enjoy dynamic, attacking chess. If you’re looking for an exciting way to play 1. b3, the Graz Attack is definitely worth exploring!