ECO code: A01
Name: Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation
Moves: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6
FEN: r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/8/1P6/PBPPPPPP/RN1QKBNR w KQkq - 2 3
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation begins with an early flank move, 1.b3, aiming to fianchetto the bishop to b2. This setup allows White to exert pressure on Black’s central squares, particularly the long diagonal stretching towards the center and kingside.
Characteristic: This variation is characterized by White’s flexible and hypermodern approach. Instead of occupying the center immediately with pawns, White focuses on controlling it from a distance with the bishop on b2. Black responds actively by occupying the center with 1...e5 and developing the knight to c6, challenging White’s control.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this opening is mostly strategic and flexible—neither purely attacking nor purely defensive. It prepares for central and kingside activity while maintaining solid positional foundations. For Black, the moves 1...e5 and 2...Nc6 are assertive, aiming for quick development and central control, putting immediate pressure on White’s setup.
Center Control: White does not directly occupy the center with pawns early on but attacks and influences the center from the flank, particularly through the bishop on b2. Black, on the other hand, claims central space immediately with the pawn on e5 and the knight on c6.
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: Modern Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 90 - Move #4 white
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.