Chessy
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack as White
After 1.b3 d5 2.Ba3, White has already aimed at an unusual battleground. Your bishop is active, but the position is not automatically pleasant: the engine gives Black a small edge. That makes this a good drill for learning practical defence and accurate play. In the position below, you are White and it is Black to move, so your job is to understand what Black is trying to do and how to handle the most common replies without drifting into a passive game.
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Create a free account →What Black is trying to do
This position is about more than developing a bishop. White’s idea is to put pressure on the long diagonal early, while Black looks for easy central play and smooth development. The engine’s best move here is e5, and that tells you the main strategic story: Black wants to claim space and punish White for spending time on the flank. As White, you should expect a direct central answer rather than a slow manoeuvring battle.
What the numbers say
Stockfish rates this -0.53, a small edge for Black. That means you are slightly worse here. The database from this exact position is also very balanced: over 90,033 games, White wins 46.2%, draws 4.5%, and Black wins 49.3%. So this is not a dead lost opening, but it is one where accurate handling matters from the start.
The most common replies to know
Several moves appear often, and they give you a good feel for how the position usually continues. The most-played continuations are Nf6 (25,923 games, White scores 45.1%), Nc6 (17,508 games, White scores 46.4%), e5 (10,582 games, White scores 46.2%), Bf5 (6,871 games, White scores 45.4%), e6 (6,823 games, White scores 48.7%), and b6 (5,191 games, White scores 46.1%). The engine’s main line starts with e5, continuing e5 Bxf8 Kxf8 d4, so be ready for Black to open the centre quickly.
Mistakes to punish or avoid
The database flags two common inaccuracies in this exact position: e6 and b6. Both are marked as inaccuracies, and both lose time compared with the stronger e5. For you as White, the lesson is simple: do not assume Black will play passively. If your opponent chooses a slower move, look for ways to keep the position active and make their delay matter.
Results across 90,033 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 25,923 | 45.1% |
| Nc6 | 17,508 | 46.4% |
| e5 | 10,582 | 46.2% |
| Bf5 | 6,871 | 45.4% |
| e6 | 6,823 | 48.7% |
| b6 | 5,191 | 46.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack good for White?
It is playable, but this position is not an easy edge for White. Stockfish gives **-0.53**, which means Black is a little better. You can still get practical chances, but you need to know the ideas and respond accurately.
What is Black's best move after 1.b3 d5 2.Ba3?
The engine’s best move is **e5**. It leads into the continuation **e5 Bxf8 Kxf8 d4**, which shows Black aiming for direct central play. That is the main line you should be ready for in the drill.
Which replies do players choose most often here?
The most common continuations are **Nf6**, **Nc6**, **e5**, **Bf5**, **e6**, and **b6**. Among these, **Nf6** is the most-played, with **25,923 games**. The scores are fairly close, so this is a position where understanding matters more than memorising one forced line.
What should I watch out for as White in this opening?
Watch for Black to seize the centre quickly rather than drifting into a slow setup. The known inaccuracies **e6** and **b6** are both weaker than **e5**, so if your opponent chooses one of those, you may get a more comfortable game. The drill helps you recognise the key moments early.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack?
Over 90K Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Graz Attack position. White wins 46.2%, Black wins 49.3%, with 4.5% draws — based on real rated games.