ECO code: A01
Name: Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation
Moves: 1. b3 Nf6
Description: The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins with 1. b3, aiming to fianchetto the queen’s bishop to b2, where it will exert long-range pressure on the central and queenside squares. Black’s response with 1...Nf6 develops a knight to a natural square, preparing to control the center and challenge White’s setup.
Characteristic: This opening is characterized by White’s flexible and hypermodern approach, focusing on controlling the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately. The move 1. b3 supports a solid but dynamic bishop placement, often leading to complex positional play.
Nature of Play: For White, this opening is generally considered more positional and flexible rather than outright attacking or purely defensive. Black’s move 1...Nf6 is a natural developing move that can lead to a balanced game. White does not directly attack the center on the first move but aims to influence it indirectly.
Center Control: The Nimzo-Larsen Attack does not immediately contest the center with pawns but focuses on controlling central squares with pieces and pressure from the flanks. It’s a hypermodern strategy that invites Black to occupy the center early, which White intends to undermine later.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 16 - Move #7 white