Retí Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Attack

In his book Mikhail Botvinnik's 100 Selected Games, the Soviet World Champion annotates a particular variation as follows: 1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 c5 3. Bb2?!

Do you think this is an inaccuracy/ error? And what are your thoughts regarding 3. ..f6 ?

I see 3. d4 as being acceptable. 

Thanks Linkspringer!

Linkspringer,

You have the Nimzo-Larsen book, but I did not know you played this opening.

I often play the Sokolsky or Polish Opening with White.  Basically playing 1.b4 and 2.Bb2  The move f6 is much more common against the Sokolsky and the only difference is where White has placed the b pawn.

So, I would have to say that f6 is not an error or a weak move.  I once owned Botvinnik's 100 Selected Games, but don't remember this game at all. 

Botvinnik does have a point, but instead of 3.Bb2 white can just play e3 and we have a nimzo indian with an extra move after Bb5 (if 3...f6 or Nc6 etc

According to explorer 3.e3 is much more popular than 3.Bb2 and also has a much larger win percentage

Something to remember when playing it as would be easy to automatically play Bb2 instead

Nope, it's Botvinnik's inaccuracy, 3. Bb2 is optimal and as good as 3.e3, at least, at the level of modern engines.

Nonsense, engines are not the best judge on move 3     e3 is more flexible and there is nothing to be gained by rushing Bb2.    By playing e3 first it cuts out some of blacks options and allows white more choice.    There is a large difference in scores 

3.e3 438 games white wins 37%   draw 36%  black 27%

3. Bb2 179 games  white wins 28% draw 32%  black 40%

That is a big difference in score which suggests white would do well to play e3 first

For anyone generally interested in b3 the following is a great read which sums it up very well

http://chesspublishing.com/content/12/jan09.htm

Pesonally I will only play 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3  as do not like facing that d6 e5 line talked about in that article

Double nonsense. Bb2 and e3 are fully interchangeable. What options 3. e3 cuts out in your opinion?

I'm sure you and your engine know better than Botvinnik.  

Yes avoiding the f6 line is why Botvinnik did not like 3.Bb2 another reason to delay is that in some of the reversed queens/Nimzo lines white can deploy the Bishop to a3 instead of b2

Played a game just now that shows how easy it can be against an unprepared opponent.    It easy play for white in the c5 d5 lines.   Bb5 swap off stick Knight on e5 play f4 swing Queen / rook to kingside job done.   Obviously blacks play was not great, it surprising how many 1800-2000 players do not have much idea in this line.

   Objectively black is fine but in practice white has an easy and clear plan, which is half the battle.

I'll keep this in mind. I actually played a bullet game recently with 1.b3 and got completely destroyed when my opponent made a big center with ...f6+...e5 because I forgot to counter with d4. 

I don't have "my" engine. I use local Chess.com's Analysis Board with Stockfish 8.

In addition, I have nothing against Botvinnik, he was a great player. But it doesn't mean that all his chess judgments are absolutely correct.

@IM pfren: 3.e3 f6?! 4.d4! is one of them.

f6?! is bad anyway. 3. Bb2 f6?! 4. e3 is as good as your variation.

Botvinnik is correct. When one is studying from a games, read annotation so you will better understanding.  Also the Op is wrong in the name of the opening, its Nimzovitch Attack 1.Nf3 d5 2.b3.

 If ever study Nimzovitch's games, he did not play the Queen Indian defense accurately, 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 b6 { is wrong and e6 is accurate} 3.Nc3 Bb7 4.f3 e6 5.e4 allowing a powerful center.

 Yigor, you are rated 1500 in blitz and bullet. What makes you believe you know better than Botvinnik and the IM on this thread?   Just curious

Why do U believe that I believe something? I used my arguments against yours, that's all. It's the purpose of any forum.

 Should have probably resigned some 10 moves earlier, if I may add.

Your not kidding, even patzers would have resigned before then.   Well played by black though.  So b6 is bad for the same reason as Bb2 bad for white in the reti larsen?  learn something new every day

My friend who is a very strong fide master, made a study of Botvinnik's games, this alone made him a strong master. He recommend me to study Botvinnik's games, Botvinnik explain it clear why pawn f6 is done, you can ignore his explanation or accept it, its not complicated.  

  Réti Opening1. Nf3 d5Nimzo-Larsen variation 2. b3 c53. Bb2?!According to Botvinnik: "A very well-known opening error ... White can do nothing to prevent black's domination of the center".3... f6  

 By playing 3...f6 you get a powerful center, its not difficult to understand and as Botvinnik states it is well-know mistake, well maybe not so well-know to the simpletons who want to argue with  Botvinnik that know more than they can ever dream of comprehending chess.