Nimzo-Larsen Attack · A01

Modern Variation, after 2. Bb2, through 2... Nc6

1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6

White's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. b3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b2. Theory calls this the Nimzo-Larsen Attack.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Bb2 Fianchettoes the bishop onto the long diagonal, pressuring d4 and e5 from a distance.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

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