Graz Attack

The Graz Attack, 1. b3 d5 2. Ba3, is an uncommon deviation from the usual 2. Bb2 in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack. On b2 the bishop covers the long diagonal and restrains ...e5. On a3 it gives up that role and points instead at the f8-a3 diagonal, targeting the squares Black's king's bishop normally uses and preparing to answer ...e6 and ...Bd6 or ...Bxa3 with a trade of dark-squared bishops. The cost is that Black's central expansion is no longer hindered, and 2...e5 is the engine's first choice, building a broad pawn center at once. Engines give Black a slight edge.

In practice the most frequent reply is the developing 2...Nf6, followed by 2...Nc6, which also supports ...e5, and 2...e6, after which a bishop exchange on a3 can follow. Lichess results are close to even overall, with White doing somewhat better against 2...e6. The line has little established theory and is chiefly a surprise choice in faster games.