Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation
The Indian Variation of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is 1.b3 Nf6, where Black develops the knight first and keeps the pawns flexible. White plays Nf3 and Bb2, while Black often adds ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...g6 or switches to ...e5.
- Moves
- 1.b3 Nf6
- ECO
- A01
- Engine
- +0.19 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 3,694 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 50.0%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Develop with Nf3 and Bb2; the bishop watches e5 and the f6 knight.
- Follow with e3 and d4 to claim the center once Black commits.
- Against ...e5 and ...e4, play Nd4, as in the third engine line, to use the central square.
- Keep the options of c4 or g3 for a double fianchetto if Black stays flexible.
Black
- Play ...c5, ...Nc6 and ...g6 for an English-style setup that challenges the b2 bishop.
- Try ...e5 and ...e4 to gain space and kick a knight from f3.
- Answer d4 with ...cxd4 and recapture with a piece to open the c-file.
- Use ...Bg7 to oppose the b2 bishop on the long diagonal and secure the king.
Plans and pawn structure
Black's knight on f6 blocks the long diagonal and keeps choices open. White builds with Nf3, Bb2 and e3, then plays d4 or c4. If Black goes ...c5 and ...g6, the bishops face each other on the long diagonal. If Black plays ...e5 and ...e4, the knight goes to d4 and White plays against Black's advanced pawn with d3 or f3.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.19: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.19 2.Nf3 c5 3.Bb2 Nc6 4.e3 g6
- +0.17 2.Bb2 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 g6
- +0.10 2.e3 e5 3.Bb2 Nc6 4.Nf3 e4
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
3,694 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 50.0%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Spike Variation2.Bb2 · rare
How to play against it
White, play Nf3 and Bb2 and keep d4 or c4 ready. Avoid letting Black gain too much space with ...e5 and ...e4 for free; Nd4 is the answer to ...e4. Black, put pieces on good squares and challenge the b2 bishop with ...g6 and ...Bg7.
Questions
What are the moves of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation?
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation starts 1.b3 Nf6. Its ECO code is A01.
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.19 at depth 20, which is level. In 3,694 lichess games from our sample, White scored 50.0%. A flexible reply that suits Black players who like to adapt, and White needs to know several setups.
What is the main idea of the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Indian Variation?
Black develops the king's knight and waits to choose a structure. White fianchettoes on b2 and plays Nf3, e3 and d4 or c4.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is Nf3, with Bb2 and e3 close behind. 2.Nf3 develops and keeps the center flexible before choosing d4 or c4.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.