Reversed Nimzo
The Reversed Nimzo occurs when Black takes central space with e5, creating a position reminiscent of a reversed Nimzowitsch-Larsen setup. White's hypermodern approach must deal with Black's immediate central presence and active piece development.
ECO Code
A01
Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced
Style
Dynamic/Positional
Key Players
Larsen, Miles, Benjamin
Strategic Challenge
- Central tension: Black's e5 vs White's hypermodern setup
- Development timing: Black develops actively with tempo
- Space disadvantage: White must work around Black's central control
- Piece coordination: Both sides must develop harmoniously
- Dynamic balance: Activity vs structure considerations
Main Continuations
3.e3
Challenge Black's center directly with pawn advances and piece pressure.
3.c4
English Opening transposition creating complex pawn structures and piece play.
3.f4
Immediate central challenge sacrificing structure for piece activity.
Handling Central Pressure
Against Black's early central expansion, White must find the right balance between undermining the center and maintaining the hypermodern approach. The key is creating counterplay without falling too far behind in development.
White's Strategic Plans
Counterplay Ideas
- Central undermining: f4, e3, d3 to challenge e5
- Piece activity: Rapid development to create threats
- Diagonal pressure: Maintain Bb2's long-range influence
- Flexible adaptation: Respond to Black's specific setup
- Dynamic play: Create complications to offset space deficit
Black's Continuations
Central Expansion
Expand in the center while maintaining the space advantage and piece coordination.
Piece Development
Complete development naturally while maintaining central control and king safety.
Aggressive Setup
Create immediate threats and maintain the initiative with active piece play.
Key Strategic Points
For White: Don't allow Black to consolidate the center completely. Create counterplay through piece activity.
For Black: Maintain the central advantage while developing pieces harmoniously. Don't overextend.
Theoretical Importance
The Reversed Nimzo teaches important concepts about playing against central space disadvantages. White must rely on piece activity and tactical opportunities to create counterplay, making this an excellent learning tool for understanding dynamic imbalances.
Related Openings
Master the Reversed Nimzo
Learn to handle central space disadvantages and create dynamic counterplay with piece activity.
Back to Nimzo-Larsen Attack Explore English Transposition