Any Nimzo-Larsen Attack fans out there? I know there's gotta be a few at least. I am mainly a 1.e4 player, but once in a while I like to be sneaky and break out the Larsen, despite my name. I really like the idea of hypermodern playing for white- one of the main problems for black in hypermodern systems (Well, some at least) is that development can sometimes be slow. But since white has an extra move, it just makes sense! The Nimzo-Larsen has two styles. One is 1.b3 where black usually plays 1..e5! with a good game. The other is 1.Nf3, where IMO it is trickier for black to handle. I am a 1.Nf3 player, as I really like the combo of a b2 bishop and f3 knight because they both control the center squares e5 and d4. Also, there are lines where white can build up a vicious attack on the kingside if black is not careful.

While most surprise openings are meant for weaker players, I use the Larsen for higher rated players! In my experience most lower rated players are intimidated by the N-L and like to fianchetto back with g6. This isn't bad for either side, but it's a little dry for my tastes. Higher rated players go for the center with d5 and c5 a lot of the time, which I like. I'd like to see some neat games with the N-L if anyone has any. If you'd like to check out the N-L for the first time, here are two lines with 1.Nf3:

I also play the Larsen and it's good--good results against `weaker' players, not so good against `strong' players.  I like the theory as you do...

Another great thing about the N-L that i forgot to mention is that whatever black throws at white, white can ALWAYS stay in the N-L. The only exception is 1...c5. There are no traps or gambits for black, only straight chess. Also, the N-L has very easy  and little theory- it took me maybe two days do memorize everything.

Glad to see at least ONE Larsen player, Charlie. Here is one line I have been getting, and a bit difficult for me to play against:

I usually stay within the Reti, but if 1. Nf3 c5, I play 2. b3 in order to side-step the move-order of 2. c4 g6. If you don't want to enter the Sicilian after 2. ... d6, then just play c4.

This is the line I usually see in that case: 1. Nf3 c5; 2. b3 d6; 3. c4 e5; 4. Nc3 g6.

    The Nimzovitch- Larsen is a good opening if played correctly.  Eric Shiller bashes this opening in his book UNORTHODOX CHESS OPENINGS, if 1.Nf3 is ommited.  There is something to be said for placing the king knight on e2 and playing f4 with it.  However people may feel about the opening, when Larsen swept a major event with it they put his name after it.  Alekhine, in the early 20th Century, said he felt "the Queen's Indian Reversed " would be a good opening for White to play. 

3. e4 Nf6 4. Nc3 e5 5. Bb2 Nc6 6. Bc4 Be7 is one possibility.  Fianchettoing the bishop immediately, or c4 I guess are also fine.