Larsen's Opening (1.b3): the fianchetto that presses the center
Larsen’s Opening is 1.b3: a discreet move that hides a very specific idea. You prepare the immediate fianchetto of your queen’s bishop on b2, and from there it controls the long a1-h8 diagonal for the whole game. It’s named after Bent Larsen, one of the great creative players of the 20th century.
The main idea
After 1.b3 and 2.Bb2, your bishop points straight at the heart of Black’s position: the e5 square and the kingside.
- It’s an opening with little theory: here you win by understanding, not memorizing.
- You’re looking for flexible piece play, without rigid structures.
- It has a lot of surprise value: few opponents know it in depth.
The first moves
You play White. After 1.b3 you fianchetto with Bb2 aiming at the long diagonal. Black occupies the center with e5 and Nc6; you develop with e3 and press with Bb5.
Why play the Larsen?
Because it’s the perfect opening if you like understanding plans instead of memorizing variations. With one central idea — the bishop on b2 dominating the diagonal — you have a complete system you can play against almost any reply. And hardly anyone knows it well on the other side of the board.
Related openings: Réti Opening · Bird’s Opening · Fianchetto · Flank openings
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is Larsen's Opening?
It's the opening 1.b3, also called the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack. It prepares the fianchetto of the queen's bishop on b2, which from there controls the long diagonal and presses Black's kingside. It's named after Bent Larsen and Aron Nimzowitsch.
Is Larsen's Opening good?
It's perfectly playable and very practical: it has very little theory and leads to piece play where whoever understands the position better wins. It doesn't promise a theoretical edge, but it takes your opponent out of their preparation.
How does Black respond to Larsen's Opening?
The most comfortable way is to occupy the center with e5 and d5 and develop naturally. If Black plays with common sense, they equalize without trouble; but they have to think for themselves from the start.