Chessy
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation — Black to play
After 1.b3 e5, you are looking at a very flexible position where White has not committed to the centre yet. That makes your job simple in principle: keep developing, stay alert to White’s most common ideas, and do not waste tempi trying to prove more than the position offers. The engine says the position is dead level, so this opening is about accuracy and comfort, not memorising a forcing line. Use the drill to practise the best response and to punish the common slip-ups when White tries to be too ambitious.
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Create a free account →A balanced start, not a fight for an edge
This opening begins quietly, and the statistics reflect that. Stockfish rates the position at -0.12, a tiny plus for Black. That means you are dead level here, with neither side better out of the opening. The practical message is reassuring: you do not need a special trick to be comfortable, but you should play sensible chess and avoid giving White free activity.
The engine’s main reply
The engine’s best move here is Bb2, and the listed continuation is Bb2 Nc6 e3 d5. That tells you the game can become a normal fight over development and central squares very quickly. In practical terms, your priority is to finish development cleanly and meet White’s setup without loosening your own position.
What the database says White usually does
At this exact position, White most often continues with Bb2, and that is far and away the main choice. The other common tries are e3, g3, e4, Ba3, and d3. For you as Black, this is useful because you should expect a wide range of setups, but not a sharp forced theory tree. The position is flexible, and good fundamentals matter more than memorised traps.
The key mistakes to punish
Two white moves are flagged as mistakes here. e4 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns, while Ba3 is a mistake and loses about 1.1 pawns. Both are good reminders that White can overreach in the opening if they try to force the issue too early. When White plays too ambitiously, stay calm and let the position punish the looseness for you.
Results across 10,361,714 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb2 | 9,407,155 | 50.2% |
| e3 | 179,230 | 49.2% |
| g3 | 176,670 | 45.9% |
| e4 | 131,987 | 42.6% |
| Ba3 | 102,429 | 43.6% |
| d3 | 71,733 | 48.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation good for White or Black here?
In this position, the game is dead level. Stockfish gives -0.12, which is a tiny plus for Black, so neither side has a real opening advantage. That makes this a practical, playable position for you as Black.
What is the best move for Black after 1.b3 e5?
The engine’s best move here is Bb2. The listed continuation is Bb2 Nc6 e3 d5, which gives you a clear idea of the kind of normal development the position can lead to.
What does White usually play in this position?
White most often continues with Bb2, and that is by far the main choice. Other popular tries are e3, g3, e4, Ba3, and d3, so you should be ready for several different setups.
Which White moves should I watch out for?
e4 is marked as an inaccuracy and Ba3 is marked as a mistake. In both cases, White has pushed too hard or gone too far, and you can rely on solid development and good piece placement to make the most of it.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation?
Over 10 million Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation position. White wins 49.8%, Black wins 46.4%, with 3.8% draws — based on real rated games.