Chessy
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation e4 – Black Strikes Back
After 1.b3 e5 2.e4 Nf6 you have reached a key tabiya in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack. White has several options, but the statistics are already on your side: in over half a million games, Black scores an impressive 52.1% while White wins just 44.3% (draws make up the rest). The engine agrees, rating the position -0.70 — a clear, lasting advantage in your favour. In short, you are already better here, and with the right plan you can make White pay for playing a slightly airy opening. Let's look at what works and what to watch out for.
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When White plays 1.b3 they delay fighting for the centre, and after 2.e4 you have met that challenge directly: your ...e5 stake claims central space, and ...Nf6 attacks e4 while developing a piece. The engine evaluation of -0.70 reflects a real edge for you, not just a theoretical one. Across 543,838 games, Black's 52.1% winning rate confirms this is no illusion — you are in an excellent practical position. Your task is to keep the pressure on and not let White consolidate their quirky setup.
The Engine's Answer: Play Against Nc3
Stockfish's top choice for White is 3.Nc3, intending 3...Bc5 4.Nf3 O-O. That line develops naturally and aims for a solid game. As Black, your plan is straightforward: finish development with ...Bc5, castle quickly, and retain your central foothold. You have nothing to fear — the engine still sees your advantage after this sequence. Don't panic if White plays the 'computer move'; trust the evaluation and stick to sound developing moves.
What the Statistics Tell Us About White's Moves
The Lichess database shows how White's most popular tries score. Here is what you face most often: - 3.Bb2 (214,597 games) – White scores 44.1%. This is the most common move, but your results are still strong. - 3.d3 (119,593 games) – White scores 45.1%, a slight improvement for them but you remain better. - 3.Nc3 (114,136 games) – White's best score at 46.0%, yet you still win more than half the games. - 3.f3 (27,277 games) – White manages only 41.2%; this is the move to punish. - 3.Bd3 (15,123 games) – 43.2% for White, another good sign for you. - 3.Nf3 (12,520 games) – White scores just 40.8%, your best result statistically. In every case you win more often than White. Your edge is real regardless of what White chooses.
The Mistake to Punish: 3.f3
The move 3.f3 is flagged as a known inaccuracy that costs White roughly 0.8 pawns — a serious slip. It weakens the kingside dark squares and wastes a tempo. After 3.f3, the best response was 3.Nc3, but White has instead compromised their pawn structure. How should you react? Develop quickly with ...Bc5 or ...d5, and be ready to exploit the holes White has created around their king. This is exactly the kind of mistake you want to see as Black — stay alert and punish it.
Results across 543,838 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb2 | 214,597 | 44.1% |
| d3 | 119,593 | 45.1% |
| Nc3 | 114,136 | 46.0% |
| f3 | 27,277 | 41.2% |
| Bd3 | 15,123 | 43.2% |
| Nf3 | 12,520 | 40.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation e4 good for White?
The statistics say no. After 1.b3 e5 2.e4 Nf6, Black scores 52.1% across 543,838 games, and the engine gives -0.70 — a clear advantage for Black. White's best move (3.Nc3) still only scores 46.0%, so you can confidently play this as Black.
What should Black do against 3.Bb2 in the Nimzo-Larsen?
3.Bb2 is White's most popular move, appearing in 214,597 games. Black's plan is simple: continue developing with moves like ...Bc5 or ...d6, castle early, and maintain the central tension. White scores only 44.1% from here, so your standard developing moves work well.
Why is 3.f3 a mistake for White?
3.f3 is rated as an inaccuracy that loses about 0.8 pawns compared to the better 3.Nc3. It weakens White's kingside and wastes a valuable tempo. White scores just 41.2% after this move, making it the worst of the common options — a clear gift for Black.
What is the engine's best continuation for White?
Stockfish recommends 3.Nc3, planning 3...Bc5 4.Nf3 O-O. Even in this line, the evaluation remains in Black's favour at -0.70. You should respond with natural developing moves and not fear this 'best' try from White.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation: e4?
Over 543K Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation: e4 position. White wins 44.3%, Black wins 52.1%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.