ECO code: A01
Opening Name: Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack (1...e5 2.Bb2)
Moves: 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2
Description: The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is an unorthodox opening where White fianchettoes the queen's bishop early with 2.Bb2, aiming to exert long-range pressure on Black’s central e5 pawn and the central dark squares. By delaying direct central pawn moves, White opts for a flexible setup that can quickly adapt to Black’s plans.
Characteristic: This opening is characterized by White’s early fianchetto of the queenside bishop to b2, which targets the central and kingside light squares from a distance. It reflects hypermodern principles, challenging Black’s center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is a somewhat positional and flexible approach that can develop into active play, but it is not immediately attacking in a tactical sense. Black’s move 1...e5 stakes a classical claim to the center, so White’s bishop on b2 pressures that claim. Overall, White’s setup is more strategic and indirect rather than purely attacking or defensive.
Center Control: White does not directly occupy the center with pawns early on but instead attacks and influences the center from a distance, particularly targeting the e5 pawn. Black, meanwhile, holds a more traditional center presence with the e5 pawn.
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 a selection of puzzles from real positions in games that used the Nimzowitsch-Larsen: 1...e5 2.Bb2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 20 - Move #4 black
You can also discover how top players used Nimzowitsch-Larsen: 1...e5 2.Bb2 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.