Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack

The heart of the opening is the bishop on b2. White combines long-diagonal pressure with quick development, usually adding Nf3, e3, and either c4 or d4 depending on how Black arranges the centre.

Against setups with ...e5 and ...d5, White accepts that Black will look impressive in the centre initially. The practical question is whether that centre is stable, and moves like f4, c4, or d4 backed by the b2-bishop can challenge it powerfully.

The opening offers real move-order freedom. White can stay in recognizably Larsen territory or transpose into structures resembling the English, a reversed Nimzo-Indian, or other queenside-fianchetto systems.

That flexibility is a major practical weapon, but it means the opening rewards understanding plans over memorising forced variations. Players who navigate by strategic ideas rather than deep theory tend to get the most from 1.b3.

After 1.b3 e5, White plays 2.Bb2 and often follows with e3 and Nf3, building a solid structure before choosing a central break. The position can remain quiet initially but turns sharp once White begins undermining Black's pawns with c4 or f4.

Against 1...d5, White frequently adopts a setup with Bb2, Nf3, e3, and c4, reaching positions with a Queen's Indian flavour. The game often hinges on whether White can activate the b2-bishop before Black consolidates.

Aron Nimzowitsch experimented with the system, but Bent Larsen gave it lasting practical identity at top level, which is why the opening carries both names. It is also known as Larsen's Opening or the Queen's Fianchetto Opening.

Strong grandmasters have used it as a surprise weapon for decades because it produces unfamiliar positions early while resting on clear strategic ideas. It remains a serious choice for players who want a flexible flank system with genuine winning chances.