ECO code: A01
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation
Moves: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3
This opening is characterized by White’s early fianchetto of the queen’s bishop with 1.b3, aiming to exert long-term pressure on Black’s central squares, particularly the e5-pawn and the central dark squares. The move 3.e3 supports the center modestly and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop, maintaining a flexible pawn structure.
From White’s perspective, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is generally a positional and flexible system rather than an outright attacking or defensive opening. White often avoids direct confrontation in the center immediately, focusing instead on controlling key squares and preparing for a slow build-up.
While White does not occupy the center with pawns early on, the opening indirectly challenges Black’s central presence through piece pressure and control. Thus, it is a strategic approach to the center, rather than a direct central pawn advance.
Black, on the other hand, can respond actively by occupying the center with pawns and developing pieces naturally to counterbalance White’s fianchettoed bishop.
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 63 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.