June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack?

Learn how to use the Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack to level up your game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: 5 quick facts

- The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, also known as just the Larsen Attack or the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, is named after Danish grandmasters [Aron Nimzowitsch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aron_Nimzowitsch?ref=blog.duolingo.com) and [Bent Larsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bent_Larsen?ref=blog.duolingo.com).
- It’s a [hypermodern](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#hypermodern) flank opening, meaning it begins by moving a flank (side) pawn instead of a center pawn. Although it’s [sound](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sound), it’s rare at [top levels](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/).
- The Nimzo-Larsen is quite flexible and can [transpose](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#transposition) into many other openings, including the [English Opening](https://blog.duolingo.com/english-opening/). As a bonus, it may help players avoid the heavy memorization required in some other openings.
- It usually leads to [solid](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#solid), [positional](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#positional) games, rather than [tactical](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#tactical) skirmishes.
- Like most hypermodern openings, the Nimzo-Larsen Attack is usually best for intermediate to advanced players who already have a strong understanding of [opening principles](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-opening-moves-tips/).

## Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: the move

Here is the move for the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack:

💡

1\. b3

## Find your own path

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player wanting an unconventional yet [sound](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sound) opening, try the Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack!

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!