Chessy
Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation for White
The Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation begins with 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.b3, and the position after that is refreshingly balanced. Stockfish rates it +0.06, a tiny edge for White. That means you are basically equal and can play for a normal game without needing to force anything. The drill below helps you learn the key practical idea: develop smoothly, keep your position flexible, and meet Black’s replies with a clear plan.
Play the Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation against the engine
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Create a free account →A balanced start, not a forced battle
This opening is attractive when you want a solid first move order and a position that stays flexible. After 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.b3, you are not committing to a sharp pawn fight. Instead, you are preparing to develop in a restrained way and keep your options open. The engine’s verdict is calm: +0.06, which is dead level for White. In practical terms, that means you can aim for a normal middlegame rather than chasing tricks.
What Black usually does here
At this exact position, Black most often chooses g6, d5, Nc6, e6, d6, or b6. Those replies show the kind of game you should expect: Black also wants to develop, claim space, or challenge your setup without immediately taking big risks. The most common reply is g6, so it is worth being comfortable against a fianchetto-style approach. The drill lets you practise meeting these setups move by move instead of guessing over the board.
The engine’s main test
The engine’s best move is c5. In the suggested continuation c5 e3 d6 d4, Black immediately challenges the position and asks White to make useful decisions in the centre. This is a good reminder that the opening is not about memorising a long attack: it is about handling flexible central play sensibly. If you keep developing pieces and do not drift into passivity, you should reach a playable middlegame.
What the database says
Across 297,664 games at this exact position, White wins 49.2%, draws 4.4%, and Black wins 46.3%. Those numbers back up the engine’s message that the position is very close. White does well enough to justify the opening, but there is no reason to think it gives a big opening advantage. If you enjoy quiet positions where understanding matters more than memorisation, this is a practical choice.
Results across 297,664 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| g6 | 104,644 | 46.7% |
| d5 | 58,554 | 49.1% |
| Nc6 | 40,774 | 52.3% |
| e6 | 33,789 | 49.9% |
| d6 | 21,481 | 48.7% |
| b6 | 13,773 | 52.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation good for White?
It is a sound way to start the game. The engine says +0.06, which is dead level for White, so you are not playing for an advantage out of the gate. The opening is useful if you want a flexible, practical position.
What is the main idea after 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.b3?
The main idea is to develop in a flexible, restrained way and keep the position open for later decisions. You are not forced into a sharp line right away. That makes it a good opening for learning solid middlegame chess.
What is Black’s best move in this position?
The engine’s best move is **c5**. The suggested continuation is **c5 e3 d6 d4**, which shows that Black can challenge the centre directly. In the drill, you should get used to meeting that kind of central pressure.
Which replies does Black choose most often?
The most-played continuations are **g6**, **d5**, **Nc6**, **e6**, **d6**, and **b6**. The most common one is **g6**. That makes this a good position to practise against several standard development setups.
How many games feature the Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation?
Over 297K Lichess games have reached the Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation position. White wins 49.2%, Black wins 46.3%, with 4.4% draws — based on real rated games.