Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation
The English Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is 1.b3 c5, where Black takes the d4 square with the c-pawn. White continues with Nf3 and Bb2, while Black develops with ...Nc6, ...Nf6 and often a kingside fianchetto with ...g6.
- Moves
- 1.b3 c5
- ECO
- A01
- Engine
- +0.11 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 2,022 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 52.0%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Play Nf3 and Bb2, then e3 and d4 to challenge Black's c5 pawn.
- Take on f6 with Bxf6 if it doubles Black's pawns, as in the third engine line.
- Use the long diagonal; the b2 bishop pressures g7 and the f6 knight.
- Keep c4 in reserve to grab more space on the queenside and control the d5 square.
Black
- Develop with ...Nc6 and ...Nf6, then ...g6 to fight the b2 bishop on the long diagonal.
- Meet d4 with ...cxd4, opening the c-file for your rook and freeing the c5 square.
- Consider ...e5 to block the b2 bishop and take space in the center.
- Watch for Bxf6; recapture so that your pawn structure stays healthy and the center stays covered.
Plans and pawn structure
This becomes a reversed Sicilian or English setup. White builds with Nf3, Bb2, e3 and d4, while Black fights for d4 with ...c5 and ...Nc6 and often uses ...g6 and ...Bg7 to blunt the b2 bishop. After d4 and ...cxd4, the c-file opens and both sides look for central control. If Black plays ...e5, the b2 bishop gets blocked, but the d5 square can become weak.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.11: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.11 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb2 Nf6 4.e3 g6
- +0.10 2.Bb2 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 g6
- +0.05 2.e3 Nf6 3.Bb2 g6 4.Bxf6 exf6
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
2,022 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.0%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
How to play against it
White, develop with Nf3 and Bb2, then prepare d4 with e3. Don't rush d4 before your pieces are out, since ...cxd4 then opens lines for Black. If Black fianchettoes with ...g6, fight on the long diagonal and consider Bxf6 to double the pawns.
Questions
What are the moves of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation?
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation starts 1.b3 c5. Its ECO code is A01.
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.11 at depth 20, which is level. In 2,022 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.0%. A flexible line for both sides, good for players who like Sicilian and English structures.
What is the main idea of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: English Variation?
Black plays ...c5 to control d4 and often fianchettoes with ...g6. White develops with Nf3 and Bb2 and prepares d4.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is Nf3, with Bb2 and e3 close behind. 2.Nf3 develops and prepares e3 and d4 against Black's c5 pawn.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.