1.b3 & 1...b6 Chess Openings [Nimzo-Larsen Attack]

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov shares some of his own chess games in which he has played his favourite chess opening, 1.b3, known as the Larsen's Opening or the Nimzo–Larsen Attack.

It is a very universal and solid chess opening as the same can be played as Black, 1...b6, which is known as the Owen's Defense when played against White's first move 1.e4.

You will learn GM Smirnov's secret opening weapon, key attacking plans in this opening, common ideas, and some middlegame plans.

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► Chapters

00:00 GM Smirnov's games with 1.b3 & 1...b6 chess openings
00:17 Game-1: 1.b3 e5
01:37 Common idea to control the b2-g7 diagonal
03:23 Launching a powerful kingside attack
04:38 Game-2: 1...b6 as Black
06:31 Common attacking idea for Black
07:58 Game-3: 1.b3 d5
09:26 Powerful tactical trick for the win
10:01 How do GMs play blitz really well?

#IgorNation #ChessOpenings #ChessOpening

[GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters

00:00 GM Smirnov's games with 1.b3 & 1...b6 chess openings
00:17 Game-1: 1.b3 e5
01:37 Common idea to control the b2-g7 diagonal
03:23 Launching a powerful kingside attack
04:38 Game-2: 1...b6 as Black
06:31 Common attacking idea for Black
07:58 Game-3: 1.b3 d5
09:26 Powerful tactical trick for the win
10:01 How do GMs play blitz really well?

[BennyKleykens]

In first game that QN on c6 was brought out too early (and belongs on d7, where it does not block the c-pawn). One of the disadvantages of b3 is that White can't get his Queen on b3. Therefor bringing out Black's Queen's Bishop to f5 (or g4) can happen early.

[antonioa.jepkoko]

Omg! I was just going to go back to that video you made 10 years ago or some many many years ago and when i saw this video i was so glad. Thank you so much!

[MyBiPolarBearMax]

Game 1 was so excellent! Its exactly how I’d ideally think and play if i took all the time and had the chess vision to see each move (the rationale is perfect).

Being able to immediately see these concepts in a one minute game is a testament to what accurate training and practice can do, combined with a proper mentality of what is successful in chess (always looking for more aggressive play and to create threats).

I love this and would love to see more vids like this (especially ones against high level opponents with longer time controls to break down the thought process when the opponent has the time to make what they feel are the best moves).

[gratuitoustv]

Before I started watching all your videos I was 1500 rapid, now I'm 1759, I saw your video about The Stonewall, and I've been crushing everyone

[thelaserdoc]

Great presentation Igor. I like your style.

[LightSquares]

0:27 I go with 3 c4 instead of e3 following GM Baskaran course on chrssable. I feel this discourages d5 as black won’t want to give up a central pawn, what are your thoughts?

[kyleprosper]

Bishops on their strongest lines. What's not to like

[GeekyGlimpse]

Guys,

In 1st starting game Mr. Igor hands me out the Queen for free Blunder.

Knight can capture the Queen when it takes the pawn

[GeorgeSmyth]

I've played Larsen's Opening a zillion times - I love it, as it it offers such a rich array of possibilities.

[GMIgorSmirnov]

For interesting content on chess and beyond! 👆

[ae.]

I love your videos. You are my favorite GM.

[soulsniperbs]

At 9:14, why not take with the queen so that you attack the pawn on c6 as well as threaten checkmate? After Qxh7+ then Qh8#

[phanindrakumar]

Wow thanks GM Igor for the wonderful opening

[Stat]

Is this usually only played in Blitz and Bullet?

[harrychulu]

This is the Nimzo Larsen attack. Very aggressive opening but had it's own weaknesses

[AA-wbqz]

Having subtitles would add value to your videos as we are sometimes in a place where we can't listen to audio! Thank you for the great content.

[marcheuer]

Thank you for this video. I have been playin 1.b3 for ages in online blitz games. Most of the times I place the bishop on d3 and the opening becomes kind of Colle Zuckertort, Bb5 is an interesting approach as well.

[nazirkazi]

GM Igor, I have a 1300 rating and would like to ask you which one of these 3 openings, I should use and try to learn all the variations? 1. The Bishop opening 2. The Halloween Gambit 3. B3 & B6 opening. Thanks for your response. I really like all your videos and want to thank you very much for sharing them with us!

[nielsSavantKing]

Sorry, but at 1:50. It is not so strange isn't that castle is the top move. Because of Bishopxg7