Chess Opening · A01
Nimzo Larsen Attack
For sub-1000 ELO players
Against the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (ECO A01), Black should occupy the center with e5 and d5 while developing pieces actively, entering the Nimzo-Larsen Attack (Classical Variation). Stockfish 17 at depth 25 gives White only a +0.1 edge, and sub-1000 players typically fail to contest the long b2-g7 diagonal or overextend their center pawns without proper piece support.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. b3 e52. Bb2 Nc63. e3 d5White plays 1. b3 preparing to fianchetto the queen's bishop, and Black responds with 1...e5 to grab the center immediately. White develops the bishop to b2 aiming at the long diagonal, and Black brings out the knight to c6 to support the center. White plays 3. e3 to shore up the d4 square, and Black answers with 3...d5 to build a strong classical pawn center.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd63 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Ignoring the Long Diagonal
Beginners do not realize the b2 bishop aims at g7 and the entire kingside along the long diagonal. They develop without blocking or contesting the b2-g7 diagonal, allowing White's bishop to become a powerful attacking piece.
Bb5Overextending in the Center
Beginners push e4 and d4 aggressively without protecting properly. They think a big center is always good, but without piece support, these pawns become targets that White can undermine with the fianchettoed bishop and well-timed breaks.
Bb5Not Developing Knights Early
Beginners push pawns instead of developing pieces against White's quiet setup. This gives White time to complete the fianchetto and start applying pressure on the long diagonal without any resistance.
f4Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
Sub-1000 players do not know how to handle the quiet 1. b3 because it does not look threatening. But the b2 bishop becomes a monster on the long diagonal, and without a plan to contest it, Black drifts into a passive position.
Before Your Next Game
Against 1. b3, develop your pieces normally and do not overextend in the center. Control the long diagonal with d6 and Nf6. The opening is not dangerous if you play solid, principled chess.
What to Study
Learn to respect fianchettoed bishops. They look passive at first but control key diagonals. Practice developing pieces to squares that block or contest the long diagonal.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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