Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation
The Classical Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is 1.b3 d5, where Black takes the center with the d-pawn. White fianchettoes with Bb2 and aims at e5, while Black builds a broad center with ...c5, ...Nf6 and ...e6.
- Moves
- 1.b3 d5
- ECO
- A01, A06
- Engine
- +0.02 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 11,694 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 52.3%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Play 2.Bb2 next so the bishop controls e5 and the long diagonal toward g7 and h8.
- Set up with e3 and Nf3, then decide on c4 or d4 depending on where Black's pieces stand.
- Use Bb5+ against ...c5 and ...e6, as in the second engine line, to disturb Black's development.
- Keep the knight on f3 ready for Ne5 if Black leaves that square weak.
Black
- Take space with ...c5 and ...Nf6, then ...e6 to support d5 and open the f8 bishop.
- Answer d4 with ...cxd4 and exd4, leaving White's b2 bishop facing its own pawn.
- Develop the c8 bishop actively with ...Bg4 or ...Bf5 before playing ...e6.
- Castle short and use the space on the queenside to play ...a5 or ...b5 later.
Plans and pawn structure
Black has a pawn on d5 and can add ...c5 and ...e6 for a broad center. White plays on the dark squares with Bb2, Nf3 and e3, often aiming at e5. If White adds d4, the structure looks like a reversed Queen's Gambit setup, and the b2 bishop gets blocked after ...cxd4 exd4. If White keeps the d-pawn back, the bishop stays strong and Black must watch the long diagonal.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.02: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.02 2.Bb2 c5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nf3 e6
- +0.01 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bb2 c5 4.e3 e6
- −0.07 2.d4 Bg4 3.Ba3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
11,694 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.3%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Graz Attack2.Ba3 · rare
How to play against it
White, play 2.Bb2 or 2.Nf3 and keep the bishop on the long diagonal. Avoid an early d4 that blocks the b2 bishop unless it gains time. If Black plays ...c5 and ...e6, Bb5+ can be annoying. Black, keep the d5 pawn supported with ...e6.
Other lines with this name
The lichess opening list also files this line under the same name, though it reaches a different position: 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3.
Questions
What are the moves of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation?
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation starts 1.b3 d5. Its ECO code is A01, A06.
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.02 at depth 20, which is level. In 11,694 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.3%. A calm opening for both sides that suits patient players who like quiet setups and slow maneuvering.
What is the main idea of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation?
Black takes the center with ...d5 and usually adds ...c5 and ...e6. White aims at e5 with Bb2, Nf3 and e3 and decides later between c4 and d4.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is Bb2, with Nf3 and d4 close behind. 2.Bb2 develops the bishop to its best square and starts pressure on e5.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.