Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Norfolk Gambit

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack with the Norfolk Gambit is a provocative way to seize the initiative early. By combining a kingside knight development with a queenside fianchetto, White creates a flexible setup that suddenly explodes into a central gambit to disrupt Black's solid development.

1. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move controls the center, prepares for kingside castling, and keeps your options open. It is the foundation of the Zukertort Opening, preventing Black from immediately occupying the center with e5.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, staking a claim in the center. This is the most common response, though you might also see Black play Nf6 to enter more standard Reti lines, or the Black Mustang Defense with Nc6 to create immediate piece pressure.

Other paths here: f6 (Zukertort Opening: Arctic Defense) · h6 (Zukertort Opening: Basman Defense) · Nc6 (Zukertort Opening: Black Mustang Defense) · f5 (Zukertort Opening: Dutch Variation)

2. b3White · your move

Push your pawn to b3. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to b2, where it will exert long-range pressure along the a1-h8 diagonal. This move signals your intent to play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, focusing on flank control.

Other paths here: e3 (Reti: 1...d5 2.e3) · b4 (Reti: Santasiere's folly) · e4 (Reti: Tennison/Zukertort Gambit) · Rg1 (Zukertort Opening: Ampel Variation)

2... c5Black

Black chooses c5, expanding in the center and preparing a solid pawn structure. Other popular alternatives include Nf6 to keep the position flexible or Bg4 to immediately pin the knight on f3 and challenge White's control of the e5 square.

Other paths here: Bg4 (Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Bg4) · Nf6 (Reti: Nimzowitsch-Larsen, 2...Nf6)

3. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This is the Norfolk Gambit. You are offering a pawn to blow open the center and create immediate tactical complications. If Black captures, your knight and future bishop on b2 will have clear lines of attack against the black king's position.

Other paths here: c4 (Zukertort Opening: Regina-Nu Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is now highly tactical. White has sacrificed central stability for rapid piece activity and long-range pressure from the b2 bishop. Black must choose between accepting the gambit or reinforcing the center. Both sides face a complex battle where piece coordination and king safety will be more important than material balance.

• c1-b2 Fianchetto the bishop to pressure the long diagonal.
• f1-b5 Pin the knight to increase central pressure.
• b8-c6 Develop the knight to defend the d4 and e5 squares.
• d5-e4 Capture the gambit pawn to test White's compensation.
• f3-e5 Leap the knight into the center for maximum activity.