Chessy
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: c5 — Playing 2.e4 as White
The Nimzo-Larsen Attack is a flexible system that often catches opponents off guard. After 1.b3 Black's most popular response is 1...c5, and here you have an interesting choice: 2.e4. This move claims central space in classical style while keeping your bishop's fianchetto option open. The resulting position is extremely balanced — Stockfish evaluates it at +0.03, a dead level game. That means you are neither better nor worse; everything is still to play for. In the drill below, you'll face this exact tabiya and learn how to handle what comes next.
Play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: c5 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play white, the engine adapts to your level.
Ready to test your skills? Enter the position 1.b3 c5 2.e4 in Chessy's opening trainer and face the most common replies. Build your repertoire move by move.
Create a free account →What You're Fighting For
With 2.e4 you are telling Black: 'I will occupy the centre directly, even though I started with a flank opening.' The point of the Nimzo-Larsen is that your light-squared bishop on b2 will eye the long diagonal, pressuring Black's kingside once the centre gets cleared or after Black castles short. In this specific line (1.b3 c5 2.e4), the position is symmetrical in value — neither side has a concrete advantage. Your task is to develop naturally, keep the bishop pair as a long-term asset, and wait for Black to overextend. The engine shows that Black's best continuation is to match you with Nc6, after which the game often becomes a slow, manoeuvring struggle.
The Engine's Top Line: What to Expect
Stockfish recommends Black plays 2...Nc6, which is also by far the most common reply in practice (556,666 games in the database). After that, the engine's best plan for both sides runs: 3.Bb2 e5 4.Bc4. Notice the setup: bishop to b2 eyes the long diagonal, bishop to c4 pressures Black's f7 square and controls d5. This is a solid, classical development scheme. You are not aiming for a quick knockout — instead, you're building a flexible centre and waiting for Black to commit. The 4.Bc4 move also helps prepare castling quickly, keeping your king safe before any tactics arise.
What the Numbers Say
Over 1.26 million games at this exact position, the results are remarkably consistent — and sobering. White wins 46.6%, Black wins 49.6%, and only 3.7% of games end in a draw. That means you need to play accurately: the opening offers you no inherent edge, and a small inaccuracy can tilt the game Black's way. Let's look at the most popular replies and White's scoring against each:
How Black's Replies Affect Your Chances
- 2...Nc6 (556,666 games) — White scores 46.6%. The main line, solid and equal. - 2...d6 (292,017 games) — White scores 45.9%. A slightly worse result for you; Black prepares e5 or g6. - 2...e6 (185,107 games) — White scores 46.8%. A flexible reply; Black keeps options open. - 2...e5 (59,325 games) — White scores 46.7%. A direct centre clash; you can develop normally. - 2...Nf6 (46,434 games) — White scores 45.0%. This scores worst for White; Black attacks e4 immediately. - 2...g6 (41,265 games) — White scores 48.5%. The best result for White — Black fianchettoes, and you get a comfortable game. The key takeaway: no single reply gives you a big advantage, but against g6 you score noticeably better, while Nf6 and d6 require extra care. Stay patient, develop your pieces, and trust the Nimzo-Larsen's long-term pressure.
Results across 1,264,851 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 556,666 | 46.6% |
| d6 | 292,017 | 45.9% |
| e6 | 185,107 | 46.8% |
| e5 | 59,325 | 46.7% |
| Nf6 | 46,434 | 45.0% |
| g6 | 41,265 | 48.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is 2.e4 a good move in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack?
Yes — 2.e4 is a sound and aggressive way to play the Nimzo-Larsen. The position is dead equal (+0.03 according to Stockfish), but you get a comfortable, classical game with a fianchettoed bishop. White scores 46.6% overall, so it's perfectly playable at all levels.
What is Black's best reply to 2.e4?
The engine and the database agree: 2...Nc6 is Black's strongest and most popular reply (556,666 games). From there, the best line continues 3.Bb2 e5 4.Bc4, leading to a balanced middlegame.
Why does White score better against 2...g6 (48.5%)?
When Black plays 2...g6, they fianchetto their own bishop, which can lead to symmetrical structures. White's bishop on b2 often becomes very strong in such positions, and Black's king can come under pressure more easily. It's a line where the Nimzo-Larsen's long diagonal becomes especially dangerous.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: c5?
Over 1 million Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: c5 position. White wins 46.6%, Black wins 49.6%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.