Explore 1.b3 as a hypermodern surprise weapon. Learn from Larsen, Rapport, Nakamura and more.
1. Who is this course designed for?
This course is ideal for beginner to intermediate players who want to learn the Nimzo-Larsen Attack and develop a versatile opening system.
2. What will I learn in this course?
You will master 1.b3 tactics, hypermodern positional strategies, and how to handle all Black replies effectively.
3. How much video content is included?
Over 22 hours of on-demand video lessons along with 57 articles and 8 downloadable resources.
4. Do I need prior chess knowledge?
Basic understanding of chess piece movements and rules is required; no advanced knowledge needed.
5. Is this course suitable for rapid and blitz?
Yes, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is effective in faster time controls due to its flexible and practical nature.
6. Can this opening help me surprise my opponents?
Absolutely, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is less common and can catch opponents off guard.
7. Will I learn about key games from grandmasters?
Yes, the course includes instructive games from Bent Larsen, Aron Nimzowitsch, Magnus Carlsen, and others.
8. Does the course include a certificate?
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing the course.
9. How is the course structured?
It includes 25 sections and 181 lectures, organized to progressively build your knowledge.
10. Will this course improve my overall chess skills?
Yes, it enhances tactical vision, strategic planning, and opening understanding.
11. Can I access the course on multiple devices?
Yes, you get lifetime access on desktop, mobile, and TV.
12. Is there instructor support?
Yes, you can ask questions and get answers in the course Q&A section.
13. Can this opening be combined with other systems?
Yes, it can transpose into English, Reti, Bird's, and King's Indian Attack setups.
14. How often is the course updated?
The course is regularly updated to include new theory and example games.
15. Is this course suitable for tournament players?
Yes, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is a sound system used by many competitive players worldwide.
100 Fun Facts & Trivia About the Nimzo-Larsen Attack
1. Origin of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack
Named after Aron Nimzowitsch and Bent Larsen, two pioneering grandmasters who developed the system.
2. First Move 1.b3
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack begins with the flank move 1.b3, preparing to fianchetto the queenside bishop.
3. Hypermodern Philosophy
The opening embodies hypermodern ideas by controlling the center from a distance with pieces rather than pawns.
4. Aron Nimzowitsch’s Influence
Nimzowitsch’s ideas in "My System" deeply inspired the development of this opening's strategic concepts.
5. Bent Larsen's Adoption
Bent Larsen made the opening popular in the 1960s and 70s, showcasing it in top-level tournaments.
6. The b2 Bishop’s Role
The fianchettoed bishop on b2 controls the long diagonal, exerting pressure on Black’s center and queenside.
7. Surprise Weapon
1.b3 is rarely played at amateur levels, giving players a surprise factor against opponents expecting classical openings.
8. Flexibility Against Black’s Setup
The Nimzo-Larsen can be adapted against various Black defenses, from 1...e5 to 1...d5 and beyond.
9. Transpositional Possibilities
It can transpose into English Opening, Reti Opening, or even reversed Nimzo-Indian Defense structures.
10. Opposite Side Castling Potential
The system often leads to aggressive opposite-side castling, setting the stage for dynamic attacks.
11. Popular Among Blitz Players
Due to its simplicity and surprise factor, it’s a favorite choice in faster time controls like blitz and rapid.
12. Early Pressure on the Center
Although White delays occupying the center with pawns, the pressure from the b2 bishop and knights controls key central squares.
13. Ideal for Positional Players
The Nimzo-Larsen is suitable for players who enjoy maneuvering and subtle positional play.
14. Sound Opening System
Despite being less common, it is perfectly sound and respected by many grandmasters.
15. Famous Practitioners
Besides Nimzowitsch and Larsen, players like Hikaru Nakamura and Richard Rapport have employed this opening successfully.
16. The “R2-D2” Bishop
Fans affectionately call the b2 bishop the “R2-D2” because it sits back waiting to strike with surprising force.
17. Popular in Online Play
Many online chess enthusiasts choose the Nimzo-Larsen for its versatility and uniqueness.
18. Low Memorization Required
Players can rely on understanding strategic ideas rather than memorizing vast opening theory.
19. Nimzo-Larsen vs. French Defense
The opening offers promising attacking chances against the solid French Defense structures.
20. Good Against Sicilian Defense
1.b3 allows White to avoid heavy Sicilian theory while maintaining fighting chances.
21. Control of Dark Squares
The b2 bishop strongly influences dark squares in the center and queenside.
22. White’s Pawn Structure
White’s pawn structure in Nimzo-Larsen often supports a stronghold around d4 and e3.
23. Common Follow-ups
Typical moves include Bb2, Nf3, c4, and d3, depending on Black’s setup.
24. Strategic Themes
Includes queenside expansion, central control, and timely pawn breaks.
25. Nimzo-Larsen vs. Classical Defenses
It can be used to sidestep traditional openings like the Ruy Lopez or Italian Game.
26. Theoretical Foundations
While less explored, modern engines support the opening’s soundness.
27. Suitable for All Levels
Ideal for beginners looking for a reliable system and grandmasters seeking surprise value.
28. Easy to Learn Plans
Focuses on simple but effective ideas rather than complex move orders.
29. Bishop Activity
The b2 bishop often becomes a powerhouse, influencing the center and queenside.
30. Delayed Center Control
White often waits to commit to central pawn moves until the right moment.
31. Aggressive Potential
Despite its hypermodern nature, Nimzo-Larsen can generate sharp attacking chances.
32. Popular in Chess Literature
Featured in many classic books focusing on hypermodern openings.
33. Famous Game Examples
Includes instructive games by Larsen, Nimzowitsch, and modern grandmasters.
34. Psychological Edge
The rarity often puts opponents off balance early in the game.
35. Effective in Club Play
Club players find it easier to understand and implement than sharp theoretical lines.
36. Variations Available
Includes Classical, Modern, and Fianchetto setups depending on Black’s replies.
37. Influence on Other Openings
Has inspired ideas in the English Opening and Reti systems.
38. Nimzo-Larsen and Pawn Structure
Focuses on flexible and dynamic pawn structures allowing adaptability.
39. Easy to Transition
Can transition into other openings, depending on move order.
40. Nimzo-Larsen and Modern Engines
Engines increasingly validate the opening’s viability in practical play.
41. Strong Knight Placement
The knights often maneuver to natural squares supporting the bishop and controlling the center.
42. Control of e4 and d5 Squares
White aims to influence these key central squares indirectly.
43. White’s Development Speed
The opening allows for flexible and efficient piece development.
44. Early Castling
White usually castles kingside early to safeguard the king and support central plans.
45. Nimzo-Larsen vs. King’s Indian Defense
Can be used to counter King’s Indian setups by controlling key dark squares.
46. Frequent Pawn Breaks
Breaks like c4 or d4 are often prepared to challenge Black’s center.
47. The Role of c4 Pawn
Often used to gain space and open lines for the bishop and queen.
48. Positional Sacrifices
White can sometimes sacrifice material for long-term positional advantages.
49. Complexity and Depth
Though it looks simple, the Nimzo-Larsen can lead to rich and complex middlegames.
50. Use in Modern Grandmaster Play
Used occasionally by top GMs for its surprise and strategic richness.
51. Theoretical Developments
Recent engine analysis has brought fresh ideas and revitalized the system.
52. Nimzo-Larsen in Chess Education
Used as a teaching tool to illustrate hypermodern concepts and flexible development.
53. Popularity in Different Eras
Experienced peaks in popularity in the early and mid 20th century and again recently online.
54. Typical Middlegame Plans
Include queenside expansion, piece maneuvering, and attacking on flanks.
55. Nimzo-Larsen and Pawn Structures
Often results in dynamic and unbalanced pawn structures offering diverse play.
56. The Bishop’s Long Diagonal
Control of the a1-h8 diagonal is central to White’s strategy.
57. The Role of Knights
Knights support control of the center and assist in launching attacks.
58. Nimzo-Larsen vs. Caro-Kann
Offers White active play and avoids heavy Caro-Kann theory.
59. Nimzo-Larsen in Blitz Tournaments
Its surprise value makes it effective in blitz and rapid competitions.
60. Avoiding Opponent Preparation
Less common opening choice often frustrates opponents relying on preparation.
61. Recommended for Creative Players
Encourages innovation and original plans instead of rote memorization.
62. Strong Queenside Presence
White often aims to dominate the queenside with pawn advances and piece pressure.
63. Nimzo-Larsen and Endgame Plans
Positional foundations often lead to favorable endgame structures for White.
64. The Role of c3 Square
Control and occupation of c3 are key strategic aims to support central dominance.
65. Nimzo-Larsen’s Place in Opening Theory
Recognized as a respected but offbeat choice in modern opening repertoires.
66. Nimzo-Larsen in Chess Literature
Featured in many hypermodern opening manuals and modern online resources.
67. Typical Weaknesses
Can leave some squares like e4 temporarily weak, requiring careful play.
68. Nimzo-Larsen and the Reti Opening
Shares ideas with the Reti, especially control of the center with pieces.
69. White’s Long-Term Strategic Goals
Control key squares and create imbalance in pawn structure for dynamic play.
70. Suitable for All Time Controls
Effective in classical, rapid, and blitz chess.
71. Often Played With Nf3
White frequently plays Nf3 early to support center and prepare castling.
72. Nimzo-Larsen vs. Scandinavian Defense
Provides interesting play against the Scandinavian, often avoiding mainline theory.
73. Encourages Prophylaxis
White often preempts Black’s plans by strategic piece placement and pawn moves.
74. Nimzo-Larsen and the English Opening
Can transpose into the English via c4 and flexible setups.
75. Development of the c1 Bishop
Usually fianchettoed to b2 but sometimes developed more actively.
76. Use of c4 Pawn Break
Helps White challenge Black’s central pawn presence and open lines.
77. Strong Control Over Dark Squares
Key element of the opening, exerted by the bishop on b2 and pawns.
78. Flexibility of Move Orders
White can delay or vary the sequence of moves to confuse opponents.
79. Nimzo-Larsen and Piece Coordination
Harmonious development is critical for maximizing pressure on Black’s position.
80. Potential for Tactical Surprises
Despite its positional nature, the opening can spring tactical traps.
81. Nimzo-Larsen and Pawn Breaks
Pawns on d4, c4, and e4 can be played flexibly depending on opponent’s setup.
82. Transposing to Closed Positions
Games often lead to closed or semi-closed pawn structures requiring strategic maneuvering.
83. Nimzo-Larsen in Chess Databases
Growing presence with modern players contributing new ideas and games.
84. Use in Correspondence Chess
Valued for its deep strategic ideas and practical chances in correspondence chess.
85. The Nimzo-Larsen’s Surprise Factor
Often catches opponents unprepared and out of book early in the game.
86. King Safety
Early kingside castling ensures safety before launching middlegame plans.
87. Nimzo-Larsen’s Popularity Online
Popular in online chess tournaments and casual play for its flexibility.
88. Potential for Endgame Advantages
Positional edges can often be converted into favorable endgame scenarios.
89. Typical Plans Against e5
White often plays c4 and d3 to undermine Black’s central pawns.
90. Nimzo-Larsen vs. d5 Systems
Effective against Queen’s Gambit and other d5 openings by pressuring the center.
91. Frequent Use of Rook Lifts
Rooks may be lifted to the third rank to support central and kingside operations.
92. The Bishop Pair
White often retains the bishop pair, a valuable asset for control and attack.
93. Nimzo-Larsen and Fianchetto Structures
The queenside fianchetto is a signature feature impacting game plans.
94. Avoiding Symmetrical Positions
Helps White steer games away from dull symmetrical lines.
95. Nimzo-Larsen in Chess Videos
Featured in many instructional videos emphasizing strategic hypermodern play.
96. Emphasis on Strategic Patience
The opening rewards players who build their position carefully and wait for the right moment.
97. Popularity in Amateur Tournaments
Chosen by amateurs for its practical chances and relative simplicity.
98. Classic Texts Mentioning Nimzo-Larsen
Analyzed in works by Nimzowitsch, Larsen, and modern authors.
99. Nimzo-Larsen’s Enduring Appeal
Remains a respected weapon due to its blend of surprise and strategic depth.
100. An Opening for Creative Players
Encourages players to develop original ideas and flexible plans rather than memorizing lines.
Expand your chess mastery by exploring these expertly crafted courses from Kingscrusher:
Play friendly online chess at your own pace
Ideal for multiple games at the same time
Time to play your best chess
Logout and back in during a single game
Chat with friends between moves
Make quality moves with fewer blunders
Playing
Learning Chess Courses
Support
