1.b3 Chess Opening for White (More POWERFUL Than You Think!)

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🔹 1.b3 Part-1 - • 1.b3 Part - 1 by GM Ig...
🔹 1.b3 Part-2 - • 1.b3 Part - 2 by GM Ig...
🔹 1...b6 as Black (Owen's Defense) - • SHOCK your opponents w...
📥 Download the PGN of this 1.b3 chess opening from this blog-post - chess-teacher.com/1-b3-chess-...
In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov will share with you an universal chess opening for White, 1.b3 - it is called as the Larsen's Opening, or the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, or the Queen's Fianchetto Opening.
The flank opening move 1.b3 prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop where it will help control the central squares in hypermodern fashion and put useful pressure on Black's kingside. The b2-bishop is often a source of recurring irritation for Black, who should not treat it lightly.
You will learn the common ideas for White if Black plays 1...e5 or 1...d5, which are the most common replies. GM Igor Smirnov tests your knowledge at the end with the famous game where the Indian grandmaster Adhiban Baskaran beat David Navara in just 9 moves in this opening.
▬▬▬▬▬▬
► Chapters
00:00 1.b3 chess opening (Larsen's Opening)
00:46 Line-1: Black plays 1...e5
02:03 New idea: Undermine Black's center
04:32 If Black castles queenside
05:02 If Black castles kingside
05:58 Black playing similar setup 1.e4 b6
07:07 Terrible blunder by Black
11:16 Line-2: Black plays 1...d5
13:16 White's attacking plan
14:38 If Black is well prepared
16:03 If Black plays b6
16:55 Quiz: Adhiban won in 9 moves
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#GMSmirnov #ChessOpenings #LarsensOpening

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

💡 Register to GM Igor Smirnov's FREE Masterclass "The Best Way to Improve at Chess INSTANTLY" - chess-teacher.com/masterclass

[@keishandejan9670]

I am an e4 player. From now I am a 1.b3 player

[@paulieerasmus5394]

Like it

[@stress5197]

I like how the cat is in the back

[@rudynakata5341]

Ìolp 0aw

[@yakzivz1104]

Your cat disagrees at 2:15, she/he thinks that it is an okay move. LOL

[@ugopisquano]

It's Kasparov who said that if you make 10 threads, you opponent will blunder at some point. Love your videos, thank you❤️

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Good to know!

[@mac9026]

Threats*

[@Brand-zs3qk]

na its magnus

[@cronoscraiss330]

​@@Brand-zs3qkMagnus learned it from Kasparov 😉

[@sermadurai5482]

It's Kasparov and Carlsen said

[@docrobbinsful]

I love that kitty in the background. Nice opening b3. ty

[@Inforza]

the answer is Qg4 threatening mate on g7, there is no way to defend it. If black goes g6 then you play Nh6 checkmate. If black stops the bishop from attacking g7, then it is still mate with Qxg7. stopping the knight in this position then the bishop attacking g7 makes Qxg7 possible.

[@allaudinalam7091]

O.o

[@krumuvecis]

yes!

[@cikonianiggra1415]

Thank you for your commentary.

[@qwerty____141]

Yup

[@random9-548]

Im glad to be here 10 years after that legendary video. I have the feeling this one will be viewed even 20 years later. Thank you so much Igor, this is a great explanation of these powefull and simple ideas.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexfinck4637]

@@GMIgorSmirnov I have played b3 since the first video 9 years ago. 1922 FIDE. I have found many of these ideas on my own using Lichess opening book, masters database, and stockfish. Including c4 c5 Nxe5 in the line vs e5. But these videos show a GM analysis of the same discoveries and are an excellent resource for those trying to learn b3. Might I add that b3 is also very good in blitz as it is relatively easy to play the correct moves quickly for white.

[@Naborbukv2]

2:30 Line-1: Main line Qe7 [c4] 7:07 Line-1: Main line e5 to e4 [Bg7] 8:49 Line-1: Main line f6 [d4] - Stockfish reccomends c4 or castling 11:18 Line-2: d5-c5-Nc6-Bd7 15:10 Line-3: d5-e6-Nf6-B7 [c4] - Stockfish recommends Be2 17:10 Strange line with intersting attacking pattern

[@FoxesDragonsAndVirgos]

Hello fella! You are very good at explaining the tactics the way that you do. One thing that I think would help even more and people will like a lot would be showing, besides what you explain already, how strong players get off of the traps safely in every opening. In this one you did, but sometimes there is not so much of it. Great job anyway.

[@BlackGirlInfoTech]

Thank you so much for this. Implemented this, instant win streak 🏆

[@tommynilsson2022]

Very instructive. Thanks.

[@chess_2000_rating_games]

Thank you so much for great opening line I always play f4 but this is even better practically

[@krumuvecis]

this is my favorite opening! great video!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters 00:00 1.b3 chess opening (Larsen's Opening) 00:46 Line-1: Black plays 1...e5 02:03 New idea: Undermine Black's center 04:32 If Black castles queenside 05:02 If Black castles kingside 05:58 Black playing similar setup 1.e4 b6 07:07 Terrible blunder by Black 11:16 Line-2: Black plays 1...d5 13:16 White's attacking plan 14:38 If Black is well prepared 16:03 If Black plays b6 16:55 Quiz: Adhiban won in 9 moves

[@GamingChair9482]

13:30 window screen

[@meghanagopal4732]

@@GamingChair9482 😂

[@prakasavigraha6104]

Getting interested in the Owens defense after seeing this vid. Kinda like the KIA and KID.

[@JaJ0001]

Thanks for the info

[@chilakashalemraju3668]

Very instructive. Thank you

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LFM_funvids]

After watching this video I won 2 times out of 3 games. Very strong opening . Thanks Mr. Smirnov and chess academy.

[@soulburner8095]

That one Lose were because you played with Black, right? XD

[@muradnnolaki6788]

Brilliant teacher👌

[@patrickmacisaac222]

Love your kittycat in the background :)

[@IvanFlores-by3cu]

Excellent, thank you for charing knowledge

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nkecskes]

Yes, I would like to see more on b6 for black.

[@ramilparedes9930]

Very informative

[@mrceadge]

Qg4 - lots of different ways to checkmate, and black can't defend them all! Thank you for this video, I like playing this opening but my results haven't been great. This gives me some fresh ideas for future games.

[@ReflectionOcean]

By YouSum Live 00:00:02 Universal and powerful opening line: Pawn to b3. 00:00:10 Successful use in blitz and over-the-board games. 00:00:20 Revised version after almost 10 years. 00:00:39 Analyzing responses to pawn to e5. 00:01:23 Creating threats with bishop to b5. 00:02:26 Undermining black's center with pawn to c4. 00:02:44 Exploiting the pin on the knight. 00:03:01 Strategic use of pawn breaks and threats. 00:04:00 Leveraging the power of bishops in the attack. 00:04:09 Exploiting weaknesses in black's pawn structure. 00:04:52 Initiating a strong attack on the black king. 00:05:22 Utilizing dark square weaknesses in black's position. 00:06:17 Positional pressure on black's center. 00:15:38 Long-term target of weak pawn d5. 00:16:43 White's strategic advantage challenges black's plans. 00:16:56 Rapid development leads to early game dominance. 00:17:40 White exploits black's pawn weaknesses effectively. 00:18:09 Black's resignation highlights white's tactical superiority. 00:18:20 Viewer engagement through interactive quiz and feedback. By YouSum Live

[@Genjiofficial09]

Thx buddy

[@gamerhazim1839]

Plzzz make moore u are just awesome i tried and he pushed the pawn when I played nf6 and I destroyed him u are just aweeeeesome💗💗💗

[@ilyaibrahimovic9842]

Thanks so much for the update and consolidated analysis! I really enjoy playing less common openings to confuse opponents, and sometimes after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 c5 3. e3 as black I find myself wanting to switch to b6 instead of d6. This system is very relevant.

[@SyedAli-gl7jq]

Amazing video this helped me learn a lot

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@thewnakajayakody7290]

Thanks lot

[@inspiration3364]

Amazing

[@MohamedSalem-gn1jx]

Thank you so much for all the amazing content …very instructive also i like the new setup now we can see you through out …finally i think it’s time you introduce the cat 😀

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

More to come!

[@shaihanghani2711]

Definitely interested...! Plz, carry on...!!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

📢 Update: Watch the video on 1...b6 as Black here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKm1ioGZoKx3n8k

[@luckydb589]

Hey. Great video! Can u also make a video on how to counter the double bishop fianchetto? I have it many times and have lost the games. So I would like to know how to counter it.

[@nabhneeldas5094]

Igor sir make a video on deutz gambit. You all videos are good and helpful.

[@georgepurvis5874]

Yes, I would love to see this from the black side please.

[@lewisdc14]

Curious on how you handle pirc/KID/modern set ups that directly challenge the dark squared bishop. I lot of those players who will defer to that set up.

[@killerx3507]

Thank you so much❤❤❤since I learned this opening from you ive won 90% of my games💯💯💯it confuses a lot of opponents 😅but overally thanks

[@SujanaSuju-yr3op]

Amazing Video❤⭐

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

❤

[@adamblomquist5581]

YES, VERY INTERESTED! Thank you sir.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

📢 Update: Watch the video on 1...b6 as Black here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKm1ioGZoKx3n8k

[@raoularte]

Great lesson and beautiful cat :) Thanks for the video, is really helpful! Cheers from Germany!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@JorgeAlvarez-sp8kd]

No entiendo nada de Inglés...pero Igualmente me lo ví...Excelente Apertura

[@sovanacharjee9015]

Please make a video against e4, same as the variation

[@AmoolyaKR]

Yes please

[@suchit355]

Great Video!! Love following your content Just one doubt. There's a line that you did not cover. What happens if black plays bishop to g4 to pin the knight on f3 insead of defending the central pawn?

[@ersinakgunn]

Thanks alot igor i have learned chess at 40 years 👵 old

[@HairEEck]

Hey thanks for this video! I want to learn b3 in more depth, where can I find books or courses that have the updated lines? And answers to other moves?

[@Hailmich10]

Thanks very helpful-if we play black against b3, what is our best response

[@sophiachess9664]

Спасибо

[@imtiyazhirani2308]

definately interested in 1..b6 thanks for another awesome video.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

No problem 👍

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

📢 Update: Watch the video on 1...b6 as Black here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKm1ioGZoKx3n8k

[@brunosanguigni6478]

Of course we are interested

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

📢 Update: Watch the video on 1...b6 as Black here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKm1ioGZoKx3n8k

[@gerkos1983]

Played this defence with black for a while now. Good to see there is a white version as well. Good to add to my repertoire. Thanks

[@keishandejan9670]

@Remote Chess Academy I love your cat. It is beautiful

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you! 😊

[@onwulirikingsley.c.8574]

Queen to G4 is an unstoppable mate

[@helmutmaxhohn1237]

1.b3 may be a good alternative for me, since I also like playing 1.b4 the Sokolski opening. Thanks for analysing so many interesting traps.

[@divyanshujain5809]

How do you play Sokolski opening? Please tell us.

[@prplt]

@@divyanshujain5809 just look it up on KZbin 🙄

[@treasonouspigeonpeckers957]

I like to sacrifice a pawn in this opening 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 d5 4.Bb5 Ne7! with the idea of getting a very strong initiative as compensation

[@user-ok2ur8hs7p]

I very rarely put likes, but you are the only chess vlogger, I’ve had to put a like on every single video, I’d watched

[@bookfantastic]

Larsen's Opening. I remember when Larsen created a sensation winning with this opening way back when.

[@Thankan6969]

Nimsowitch larsen😍

[@jonassivickis3573]

4:35 white makes two moves in a raw.

[@homesless]

I must say, that's a nice cat you got there, GM Smirnov! also, I think Qg4

[@TheAnshuman1974]

Puzzle at 18:10 White has the killer move Qg4 and there is no defence against Qxg7#. A desperate g6 doesn't work due to Nh6#.

[@paparatzz7531]

Maybe if Qxf3 (in the second variation) you can still castle and do not blunder a pawn

[@samanyukumar5296]

The answer is knight h6 check and if they take with their g pawn, we go queen g4 check followed by queen g7 checkmate.

[@chuutiteacher3237]

Your cat is amazing 🥰

[@sermadurai5482]

It is mate in four 1.Qg4 Bd4 2.Bxd4 Qg5 3.Qxg5 g6 4.Nh6#

[@aryansaxena7214]

pls play this opening by black also love your content 😃😃👍 its amazing

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

I'd like white's bishop on c2 best, directing toward h7, but that's easier said than done.

[@khalidsultan7641]

Do you have course b3 complete with b6 for black thanks

[@Whimzy74]

I played against an interesting response to B3 b3 e5, Bb2 nc6, e3 g6 (the interesting response), f4 d6, xe5 nxe5, nf3 bg7 Resulted in a pawn up but would anyone else have approached this situation differently? Should I have pinned their knight earlier?

[@ricwhk]

At 1:36, what if black plays Qg5? What can white do to save his king side? Is that the refutation for 1.b3? Anyone can answer?

[@lwandomasoka391]

This is the best opening I have ever played in chess!🔥 It's been time since I've been using it because of the analysis that GM Igor provided a long time ago, keep it up Mr Smirnov👍😎🔥

[@sahajsharma9820]

On-time 5:13, why can't you move d4 right away? That would be a better trap because it doesn't delay and you get the knight or the queen. Is anyone with me?

[@iulicabv3905]

This opening should be called the Nimzo-Larsen-Adhiban attack

[@RickThoreen]

Qg4 and no black defense works. If Bxf5 or f6 then Qxg7#. If g3 then Nh3#.

[@inspiration3364]

Simply explaining

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@nabhneeldas5094]

I am interested like this idea as black.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

📢 Update: Watch the video on 1...b6 as Black here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKm1ioGZoKx3n8k

[@TeeGar]

Does your cat play chess? Its probably better than me lol.

[@bnewman2544]

For the last position in video, White can play Qg4 and mate cannot be stopped.

[@impedimenta16]

Is there a video that opening as black?

[@caprehsun]

Qg4, g6, kh6 is mate.

[@nabhneeldas5094]

Qg4 is correct move in puzzle after that checkmate is unstoppable.

[@gbose1984]

Please add 1. ...b6 video too

[@AnouarDIDTHAT-jk4pm]

man you are the best i win 8 games of 10 with this openning

[@neelavathikumaresan3747]

1.qg4 g6 2.nh6#

[@wilfriedbesse2338]

Qg4(#2)

[@katlynklassen809]

I have watched this like 15 times.

[@ashishshetye5170]

Lazy cat behind spotted😄

[@mickhurley7305]

After b3 opening Can you develop a line that gets white Bishop c3 and Queen b2, or Queen b3 and Bishop stays b2

[@mehaarin.a7509]

ans 9 Qg4

[@weshinton5646]

How is it that when black castles, white castle with no lost move?

[@thetruths7389]

At 7:32, can White take that pawn first gxf3 before Bxh8?

[@dirac269]

Whats the name of this opening

[@markjuhasz2803]

Kasparov said if you make 10 threats...., Thx for the video! Great!

[@bluhard802]

B3 as black please mastar🤗🤗🤗

[@ticchi1]

Hi you didn't explain in your videos the most critical line for White. When black plays 1. ... d5, 2. ... Cf6, 3. ... Af5. Can you tell us how to play against it, please?

[@user-uj5dr6pq7m]

minor mistake at 4:30, when black castles you castled white too by accident

[@winaraj]

why not Qxe5 at 3:40? take the knight. if white bishop takes knight c6, take it with the pawn.

[@UncleNort]

Would love to see you do a new b6 video. Your videos are the best!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you! Will do!

[@aminthaperera8986]

7:32 wouldnt Qxf3 be better? That rook aint going anywhere, irs better for position too, correct me if im wrong

[@frankschwarz408]

What if the opponent tries to boot out your bishop using the black pawn on the A file?

[@gamer-krishil1548]

Qg4

[@DK-ek9qf]

Why e3 and not e4?

[@mrhed0nist]

Playing Nf3 before b3 cuts out blacks option of e5 and usually leads to positions discussed in the second half of this video. Pretty much the same opening but with half the theory to worry about. Ideal for lazy people like me:)