Summary
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack arises after 1.b3 and falls under ECO code A01. This move prepares a fianchetto of the queen's bishop to b2, from where it will bear down on the central squares and aim toward Black's kingside. As a hypermodern opening, the idea is to influence the center with a piece rather than occupying it with pawns in the classical manner. This naturally allows Black to claim central space, which they usually do with 1...e5 or 1...d5, while 1...Nf6 is another common choice. The Modern Variation, 1...e5, is Black's most popular and ambitious reply, appearing in roughly 45% of games. Black typically constrains the b2 bishop's scope and builds a broad center with both the d- and e-pawns, for instance after 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5. The Classical Variation, 1...d5 (about 27% of games), retains the possibility of fianchettoing Black's own bishop to g7 to challenge the one on b2, with White continuing 2. Bb2 or 2. Nf3. The Indian Variation, 1...Nf6 (around 15%), aims to fianchetto to g7 immediately to counter the b2 bishop, but Black must be careful: after 2. Bb2 g6, White can play 3. e4!, threatening to chase the f6 knight, and the greedy 3...Nxe4?? drops the rook to 4. Bxh8. With 46.4 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a well-established opening choice.
- White fianchettoes the queen's bishop to b2, pointing it down the long diagonal at the center and Black's kingside.
- A hypermodern flank opening: White holds back the central pawns, invites Black to build a big center, then works to undermine it.
- White's plan adapts to Black's setup: fight against an e5/d5 center, allow ...e5 while contesting d5, or take on a c5/d5 formation.
History and Notable Players
Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Jorge A Gonzalez Rodriguez (158 games), Pavel Blatny (122 games), Vladimir Bagirov (94 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Alexandra Kosteniuk (12 games), Harika Dronavalli (11 games), Sergey Karjakin (10 games).
English amateur John Owen played the idea at master level back in the 1870s. Nimzowitsch adopted it in the 1920s, often via 1.Nf3 and 2.b3, and Bent Larsen played it frequently between 1968 and 1972. It suffered a setback in Belgrade in 1970, at the match between the USSR and a Rest of the World team, when Spassky beat Larsen in 17 moves.
Named after: Aron Nimzowitsch, who experimented with the setup in the 1920s, and Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen, who played it frequently around 1970.
Notable players: Bent Larsen, Aron Nimzowitsch, Bobby Fischer, Vladimir Bagirov
Statistics
Based on 46.4 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 49.4%
- Black wins: 46.1%
- Draws: 4.5%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
