ECO code: A01
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation 2.Bb2
This variation arises after the moves 1.b3 Nf6 2.Bb2. White immediately fianchettoes the queen's bishop, aiming to exert long-range pressure along the diagonal towards the center and Black's kingside.
Characteristic: The move 2.Bb2 is a hallmark of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, emphasizing flexible development and indirect control of the center rather than immediate occupation. By placing the bishop on b2, White supports potential central and queenside expansions while keeping options open.
Nature of play: From White’s perspective, this setup is more positional and strategic than aggressively attacking. It prepares for a flexible middlegame, focusing on controlling key squares and preparing potential central breaks later. Black, on the other hand, should be alert to White's latent pressure on the center and queenside diagonals.
Center control: This opening does not directly challenge the center with pawns early on. Instead, White influences the center from a distance with the bishop on b2, often waiting to see how Black commits before deciding on central pawn moves.
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 2.Bb2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 13 - Move #7 white