Nimzowitsch-Larsen: Indian Variation

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is a hypermodern opening where White delays central pawn moves to fianchetto the queen's bishop. By placing the bishop on b2, you exert long-range pressure across the entire board. Black usually responds by fighting for the center with pawns or developing pieces to neutralize your diagonal influence.

1. b3White · your move

Push your pawn to b3. This prepares to develop your bishop to the long diagonal, where it will exert influence over the center from a distance. You are inviting Black to occupy the center with pawns so you can attack them later with your pieces.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, a solid and flexible developing move. While Black could have challenged the center immediately with e5 (the Modern Variation) or d5 (the Classical Variation), this knight move often leads to King's Indian or Queen's Indian structures depending on how White continues.

Other paths here: d5 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation) · f5 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Dutch Variation) · c5 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation) · e5 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation)

2. Bb2White · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to b2. Now your bishop is perfectly placed on the long diagonal, eyeing the e5 and g7 squares. This piece will be your primary weapon, creating permanent pressure against Black's kingside and the center.

2... g6Black

Black chooses g6, signaling an intent to challenge White's bishop with a fianchetto of their own. By preparing Bg7, Black solidifies the kingside and prepares to castle. Alternatives include d5 to grab central space or c5 to enter an English-style structure.

Where you stand

The position is a battle of diagonals. White will likely develop the other knight to f3 and perhaps play e3 or c4 to further control the center. Black will finish the fianchetto with Bg7 and castle quickly. The game will revolve around whether White's b2 bishop remains a powerhouse or if Black can successfully neutralize it.

• g1-f3 Develop the knight to control d4 and e5.
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to challenge the long diagonal.
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king early.
• c2-c4 Strike at the center to challenge Black's influence.