Flank openings

Nimzo-Larsen Attack

1.b3

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack starts with 1.b3 and is catalogued under ECO A01, in the flank openings half of the book. The catalog indexes 18 lines inside it, grouped into 13 named variations, and the position after those moves has 7 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

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Current position
Nimzo-Larsen Attack
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.b3

    Advances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

7 moves
d5Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation2 named lines · Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz AttackAdvances to d5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.e5Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation2 named lines · Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Pachman GambitAdvances to e5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.f5Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation2 named lines · Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Ringelbach GambitAdvances the f-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.Nf6Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation2 named lines · Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Spike VariationDevelops the knight to f6, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.b5Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation1 named lineAdvances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.b6Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Symmetrical Variation1 named lineAdvances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.c5Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation1 named lineAdvances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Nimzo-Larsen Attack. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.