ECO code: A05
Name: Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation
Moves: 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. b3
Description: The Nimzo-Larsen Variation of the Zukertort Opening begins with 1. Nf3, a flexible and non-committal knight development, followed by 2. b3. The move b3 is characteristic for preparing to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b2, aiming to exert long-range pressure on the center and the diagonal towards Black's king side.
Characteristic: The move 2. b3 is somewhat unorthodox, focusing on control of the long diagonal rather than immediate occupation of the center. It supports a hypermodern approach, influencing the center from a distance rather than occupying it with pawns early on.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening is generally considered flexible and somewhat positional rather than aggressively attacking. It aims to build a solid, well-coordinated setup. From Black's perspective, it is neither directly attacking nor purely defensive but requires careful development to counter White's fianchettoed bishop influence.
Center Control: This opening does not attack the center immediately with pawns. Instead, it applies indirect pressure on the center squares through the bishop on b2 after the fianchetto, encouraging Black to commit to the center first and allowing White to counterattack 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 Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #6 white