Chess Opening Theory/1. b3

Nimzowitsch–Larsen attack A01 Starting position 1. b3 · Nimzowitsch–Larsen attack 1. b3 prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b2, where it will fight for the central squares and point towards Black's kingside. This is a hypermodern opening, preparing to control the centre from afar with a bishop rather than a central pawn (the classical style). This allows Black to seize the centre with a pawn themselves, which they usually choose to do with either 1...e5 or 1...d5. 1...Nf6 is also common. 1...e5, the modern variation, is Black's most ambitious and common response to 1. b3, occurring in about 45% of games. Black usually limits the scope of White's bishop and gets a big centre with both d and e pawns after 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5. 1...d5, the classical variation, is a common sideline (27%). It preserves the option to fianchetto the black bishop to g7 to oppose the white one. White can play 2. Bb2 or 2. Nf3. 1...Nf6, the Indian variation, prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g7 immediately to oppose the white bishop on b2. However, if Black does play g6 after 2. Bb2, White can play 3. e4!, threatening to kick the knight on f6. 3...Nxe4?? loses to 4. Bxh8. It is an interesting second sideline (15%). Minor sidelines 1...c5, English variation: Retains option of 1...d5 while also being a good transpositional tool. 2. e4 transposes into the Sicilian defence, and 2. c4 transposes into the symmetrical English. 2. Nf3 is also playable. Occurs about 5% of games. 1...b6, Symmetrical variation: Black copies White's idea. This is perfectly fine for Black. Occurs about 2% of games. 1...g6: Accounts for another 2% of games. Black prepares to fianchetto to g7, though after 2. Bb2 Black must play 2...Nf6 first and this transposes to the Indian variation. There are a number of other "also-ran" sidelines possible that together make up about 5% of competitive level games, including: 1...f5, Dutch variation: This is a rather unexplored alternative. 2. d4 and 2. Nf3 are most commonly played after this, though 2. e3 and even 2. e4!? (borrowing ideas from the Staunton gambit) are both possible. 1...e6: Sets up a variation of the French defence. 2. e4 d5 3. Bb2 is the most common and recommended line. 1...c6: Sets up a variation of the Caro-Kann. 2. e4 d5 3. Bb2 is the most common and recommended line. 1...Nc6: Supports the advance of the e-pawn but allows 2. d4, pressuring the knight. 1...b5!?, Polish variation: A fun alternative to the other moves. Transpositions are now impossible. 1...a5?!: Somewhat playable, trying to ruin White's fianchetto, but seeing that White will likely castle on the kingside, this is not that useful. History Also known as Nimzowitsch-Larsen attack or just queen's fianchetto opening, it is named after its pioneers Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen. Nimzowitsch preferred an alternate move order, 1. Nf3, and only after 1...d5 committing to 2. b3. This has the advantage of preventing 1...e5 thereby avoiding that line. Theory table 1.b3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Classical Variation ...d5 Bb2c5 e3Nc6 Bb5Qc7 f4a6 Bxc6Qxc6 Nf3Nf6 O-Og6 = Modern Variation ...e5 Bb2Nc6 e3Nf6 Bb5Bd6 Ne2a6 Bxc6dxc6 d3O-O c4Be6 = Indian Variation ...Nf6 Bb2- English Variation ...c5 Dutch Variation ...f5 Nf3- Symmetrical Variation ...b6 Polish Variation ...b5 References See also Eric Schiller 2002 2nd Unorthodox Chess Openings Cardoza 1-58042-072-9 Jacobs Byron Tait Jonathan 2001 Nimzo-Larsen attack London Everyman Publishers plc 1 85744 286 5 1st Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. b3