ECO A01 · for White
Nimzo-Larsen Attack
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
11,088,988 games in this band reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack position. From there White won 50% and drew 4%.
1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 5. Nf3 Qe7
Moves 1 to 2
1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6
1. b3
1... e5
Gaining space in the center and fighting for control of the dark-squares in the center.
- 1... d5: Gaining space in the center and opening up the light-squared bishop to develop.
2. Bb2
Placing the bishop on the long diagonal where it attacks Black’s e5 pawn.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight and protecting the e5 pawn. Black has better control of the center here.
- 2... d6: Strengthening the center and opening up the light-squared bishop to develop.
Moves 3 to 4
3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6
3. e3
3... d5
4. Bb5
4... Bd6
Move 5
5. Nf3 Qe7
5. Nf3
5... Qe7
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on b5 generally captures the knight on c6
- The knight on e5 usually captures the bishop on d7
- The knight on f3 often moves to e5
- The queenside knight often develops to c3
- Common pawn moves are c4 and d4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White
- Ruy Lopez for White