Chessy
Playing the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation as Black
After 1.b3 b5, you are already in a slightly awkward fight as Black. The engine gives White a small edge, and the database also shows that White scores well from this exact position. That does not mean you should panic. It means you need a clear plan, know what the engine prefers, and be ready for the most common White continuations in the drill below. Your goal is to make the position as uncomfortable as possible for White while staying solid and active.
Play the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation against the engine
Free, no signup — you play black, the engine adapts to your level.
Play the drill now and practise handling this line as Black. Create a free account to track your progress and revisit the position anytime.
Create a free account →What the position is asking of Black
The most important fact here is simple: White starts the middlegame with the easier position. Stockfish rates this +0.32, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here. So your task is not to chase miracles, but to play a sensible defence and make White prove the advantage.
Because White has already chosen an offbeat first move, the position can feel quiet at first. Still, the numbers show that White has scored well across a large sample, so you should expect to face practical pressure rather than a forced tactical collapse. Keep your pieces coordinated and avoid drifting into passive play.
The engine’s preferred continuation
The engine’s best move here is e3. The continuation given is e3 Bb7 Nf3 b4.
You do not need to memorise anything beyond that line, but it tells you the type of position the engine likes: active piece play, sensible development, and direct pressure on White’s setup. In the drill, try to understand why this move order is preferred instead of making random pawn moves. A useful habit is to ask whether your next move helps development or just creates a target for White.
What the database says White usually does
The biggest practical clue is the most-played move: Bb2, with 50,274 games. White’s score there is 56.2%, which is a strong result. The other common tries are g3, e3, Ba3, e4, and d3, and White scores well in most of them too.
That means you should prepare for White to develop naturally rather than force a sharp battle immediately. In your games, stay alert for the move White chooses most often and be ready to meet it calmly. If White develops without committing a central break, your job is to keep your position flexible and avoid conceding space for free.
Common White continuations to know
The database gives a clear picture of the kind of moves White likes here:
- Bb2: 50,274 games, White scores 56.2%
- g3: 2,180 games, White scores 53.9%
- e3: 2,080 games, White scores 56.5%
- Ba3: 1,036 games, White scores 50.9%
- e4: 881 games, White scores 57.9%
- d3: 709 games, White scores 43.3%
You do not need to fear every move equally, but these numbers tell you where the pressure usually comes from. Against the popular developing choices, stay disciplined and make sure your pieces come out smoothly. The drill is designed to help you recognise those setups quickly.
Results across 61,279 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb2 | 50,274 | 56.2% |
| g3 | 2,180 | 53.9% |
| e3 | 2,080 | 56.5% |
| Ba3 | 1,036 | 50.9% |
| e4 | 881 | 57.9% |
| d3 | 709 | 43.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation good for Black?
In this exact position, the engine gives +0.32, which is a small edge for White. So Black is not better here. Your task is to play accurately and make the position as stable and active as possible.
What is Black’s best move after 1.b3 b5?
The engine’s best move is e3. The continuation given is e3 Bb7 Nf3 b4. That is the line the drill wants you to understand and play confidently.
What does the database say about this position?
Across 61,279 games, White wins 55.2%, draws 4.9%, and Black wins 39.9%. The sample is large enough to show that White has the more comfortable results here, so Black needs to be precise.
Which White move is most common here?
Bb2 is by far the most-played continuation, with 50,274 games and a White score of 56.2%. The other listed tries are g3, e3, Ba3, e4, and d3. You should expect White to develop naturally in most games.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation?
Over 61K Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Polish Variation position. White wins 55.2%, Black wins 39.9%, with 4.9% draws — based on real rated games.