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Guided lesson · Intermediate · Openings

Larsen: the b2-bishop needs an open centre

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With b3 and Bb2 you develop from the flank. Against ...d5 you can prepare the second bishop; against ...e5 you need pawn pressure on the centre. If the opponent closes every diagonal, the b2-bishop loses influence. The first example organises the kingside; the second shows why a black centre on e5 and d5 needs immediate attention. After each flank push, check those squares again.

The key idea

Bb2 starts the plan; central pawns decide whether that bishop gets useful work.

Example 1

Against ...d5: develop both bishops on the flanks.

  1. Nf3 Nf3 controls e5 and d4 without blocking Bb2 with a pawn.
  2. Bf5 ...Bf5 develops before ...e6, keeping the bishop outside the pawn chain.
  3. g3 g3 prepares Bg2. The two bishops will pressure different central diagonals.
  4. e6 ...e6 supports d5 and frees the f8-bishop. Neither side has won the centre yet.

Example 2

Against ...e5: c4 challenges Black’s central expansion.

  1. c4 c4 controls d5, the square Black wants to occupy with another pawn.
  2. Nf6 ...Nf6 develops and reinforces d5. It also supports a future ...e4 push.
  3. a3 a3 controls b4 and prepares b4 if allowed. This tempo does not replace kingside development.
  4. d5 ...d5 occupies the centre despite c4. White must calculate exchanges rather than keep pushing flank pawns.
  5. cxd5 cxd5 exchanges the d5-pawn before Black’s centre gains more space. Developing with Nf3 now would let Black consolidate an advantage.
  6. Nxd5 ...Nxd5 recovers the pawn and centralises the knight. The centre has opened: continue developing and reassess the b2-bishop’s diagonal.

Practice

You have White. Reproduce the first example’s plan in two decisions and watch the reply. Bb2 starts the plan; central pawns decide whether that bishop gets useful work.

  1. Nf3 controls e5 and d4 without blocking Bb2 with a pawn. Develop the king’s knight to control both e5 and d4. e3, a3 also keep a similar evaluation but require a different sequence; here you practise Nf3.
  2. Your move keeps options in the centre. Choose how to develop your bishops according to Black’s reply. Prepare Bg2, contest the centre or gain space before developing. You can also attack the f5-bishop with Nh4. You can play g3, Nh4, d3, c4, e3, a3, h3.

Bb2 starts the plan; central pawns decide whether that bishop gets useful work. Next step: return to this position and explain what changes after a different reply.