Nimzo-Larsen Variation

The Nimzo-Larsen Variation reaches the Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack setup through the knight-first move order. With 2. b3, White prepares Bb2 and usually e3, aiming the bishop down the long diagonal toward e5 and Black's kingside while leaving the central pawns uncommitted. Black is invited to occupy the center, and White intends to challenge that center later with pieces and flank pawns. Because 1. Nf3 has already been played, the direct counter 1. b3 e5 is no longer possible, and the choice of b3 comes only after Black has committed to 1...Nf6.

The most frequent reply by far is 2...g6, a mirrored fianchetto that gives a slow game in which neither side rushes to define the pawn structure. 2...d5 stakes a classical claim to the center and gives White a fixed target for its hypermodern plans. 2...e6 keeps Black flexible, with ...d5 or a queenside development still to come. Theory is light, and play tends to turn on maneuvering rather than on memorized lines. The engine rates the position as level, and White scores slightly better than Black in online games.