Chessy
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation c4 — How to Play as Black
After 1.b3 e5 2.c4 Nc6, White has already shown their hand — they want a quiet, positional game with the bishop on b2. But you, as Black, have seized the centre early with your e5 pawn and developed a knight to its best square. The statistics across 77,607 real games are remarkably balanced: White wins 48.6%, Black wins 47.7%, and draws happen just 3.8% of the time. The engine gives a tiny -0.24 (a very slight edge for Black), meaning you are essentially equal right out of the opening. Your job now is to recognise White's most common plans and know the one move that keeps you comfortable.
Play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation: c4 against the engine
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Create a free account →What You're Playing For as Black
You've already done the hardest work. By meeting 1.b3 with 2...e5 and following up with 2...Nc6, you've staked a clear claim in the centre. White's first-move advantage has all but evaporated. Your thematic ideas in this position include pushing ...d5 to challenge White's c4 pawn directly, or posting a knight on f6 and playing a flexible ...d6. The most common plan at club level sees White fianchetto their light-squared bishop (Bb2) and try to control the long diagonal, but your central pawn duo gives you a comfortable foothold. Think of this as a reversed version of a Queen's Indian or a Torre Attack — you have the space and the initiative to choose your camp.
The Engine's Top Move: Bb2
Stockfish's best-line continuation from this position is Bb2, followed by Nf6 e3 d5. After White plays Bb2, your reply should be 3...Nf6 — developing the kingside knight and eyeing the centre. White then usually plays e3, and you respond with ...d5, breaking open the centre on your own terms. This line is the most tested by far, appearing in 57,194 games. White scores 50.7% from here, which is a touch below average for the first player — good news for you. The position remains balanced: you have equal development, a solid centre, and no weaknesses to worry about.
The Two Traps to Avoid (You're Black, but Watch Out)
Your opponent can stumble just as easily as you can. Two of White's moves here are genuine inaccuracies that lose about 0.6 pawns of advantage each. The first is e4 — White pushing the e-pawn too aggressively. If you see this, you can be happy: your ...Nc6 already eyes d4, and you'll have an easy time equalising or outplaying White. The second is d3, a passive move that also costs White roughly 0.6 pawns (the engine says e3 was better in both cases). These two inaccuracies appear in a decent number of games (1,674 and 1,549 respectively) and lead to White's worst scoring percentages: White scores only 40.1% with e4 and 34.7% with d3. If White chooses either, you are already slightly better — just develop normally and enjoy the edge.
What to Do Against Each Popular Reply
Let's look at White's most common options and how you should respond as Black: - Bb2 (57,194 games, White scores 50.7%): Play Nf6. The engine's line continues e3 d5 — you're fine. - Nc3 (6,205 games, White scores 43.4%): This aggressive knight move leaves White's c4-pawn a bit loose. Develop with ...Nf6 and you'll have no trouble. White scores poorly here. - e3 (4,638 games, White scores 47.6%): This is actually a good, flexible move from White. You should still develop with ...Nf6 and prepare ...d5 or ...d6. - e4 (1,674 games, White scores 40.1%): A mistake from White. You can play ...Nf6, challenging the e4 pawn immediately, or simply develop and enjoy your slight plus. - a3 (1,638 games, White scores 47.2%): A waiting move. Just develop as you normally would — ...Nf6 or ...d6 ideas are all available. - d3 (1,549 games, White scores 34.7%): Another inaccuracy. You are already a small favourite. Develop quickly and aim to seize the centre with ...d5.
Results across 77,607 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb2 | 57,194 | 50.7% |
| Nc3 | 6,205 | 43.4% |
| e3 | 4,638 | 47.6% |
| e4 | 1,674 | 40.1% |
| a3 | 1,638 | 47.2% |
| d3 | 1,549 | 34.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation c4 good for Black?
Yes — the statistics show it's perfectly playable for Black. Across over 77,000 games the results are nearly even (White 48.6%, Black 47.7%), and the engine evaluation of -0.24 confirms you have nothing to fear. Play natural developing moves and you can outplay White if they are unprepared.
What is the best response to 1.b3 as Black?
The most popular and principled reply is 1...e5, taking space in the centre immediately. After 2.c4, you then play 2...Nc6, bringing a knight to a great square and supporting your central pawn. This line leads to a rich but manageable position for Black.
What should I do if White plays e4 in this position?
Be happy! The move e4 is an inaccuracy that loses about 0.6 pawns for White. The best move would have been e3. Against e4, you can safely play ...Nf6, attacking the e4 pawn, or simply continue developing. White only scores 40.1% with e4, so you are already slightly better.
How do I continue after White plays Bb2?
The engine recommends 3...Nf6, developing your knight and preparing to challenge the centre with ...d5. White's usual follow-up is e3, and after ...d5 the position is balanced and comfortable for Black. This is the most tested line by far, with 57,194 games played from this position.