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Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: 5 quick facts

  • The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, also known as just the Larsen Attack or the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, is named after Danish grandmasters Bent Larsen and Aron Nimzowitsch.
  • It’s a hypermodern flank opening, meaning it begins by moving a flank (side) pawn instead of a center pawn. Although it’s sound, it’s rare at top levels.
  • The Nimzo-Larsen is quite flexible and can transpose into many other openings, including the English Opening. As a bonus, it may help players avoid the heavy memorization required in some other openings.
  • It usually leads to solid, positional games, rather than tactical skirmishes.
  • Like most hypermodern openings, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is usually best for intermediate to advanced players who already have a strong understanding of opening principles.

Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: The move

Here is the move for the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack:

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1. b3

A gif showing the opening move for the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: 1. White’s b-pawn moves to b3.

Find your own path

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player wanting an unconventional yet sound opening, try the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack!

If you’re looking for more openings, check out our guide featuring over 30 options for every skill level!