Nimzo Larsen Attack Skewer in Chess
The nimzo larsen attack skewer is a tactical motif where a piece attacks along a line and forces a more valuable piece to move, revealing or winning material. In the Nimzo-Larsen Attack family, it often arises after White develops with an early b3/Bb2 setup and then uses a skewer line (commonly involving the b2 bishop and a central/diagonal target). The defining feature is a skewer alignment that hits a high-value piece behind a lower-value one.
To spot it, look for moments when your bishop on b2 (or a related diagonal) lines up with an enemy piece that is “in front” of a king or queen. The skewer usually becomes available after the opponent commits a piece to a square that blocks the line—then a forcing move (often a bishop move or a discovered line) pins the front piece and attacks the rear piece. Use it by creating the alignment with tempo: make the opponent’s defensive move worsen the line, so the skewer wins a queen, rook, or significant material.
Frequently Asked Questions: nimzo larsen attack skewer
- What exactly makes it a “skewer” in the nimzo larsen attack?
- A skewer means the attacked piece is forced to move (or cannot move) so that the piece behind it is directly attacked. In this motif, the alignment is typically created by the Nimzo-Larsen Attack’s b2 bishop/diagonal setup, targeting a higher-value piece behind a lower-value one.
- Which pieces and lines are most common in the nimzo larsen attack skewer?
- The b2 bishop and its diagonals are the most common drivers, often aiming toward central squares where the opponent’s queen or king sits behind another piece. The rear target is usually the queen or king, while the front piece is a blocker that becomes pinned by the forcing attack.
- How can I create the skewer without sacrificing material first?
- Try to form the line with tempo: develop and place your pieces so that when the opponent moves a blocker, your next move immediately attacks the rear piece. Look for forcing moves that change the geometry (for example, bishop/line moves that suddenly open a direct attack on the back piece).
- What should I watch out for if I’m trying to use this motif?
- Watch for defenders that can break the alignment (by capturing the bishop on b2, interposing a piece on the line, or forcing you to trade before the skewer lands). Also confirm the rear piece is actually attacked after the forcing move—some “almost alignments” fail because the blocker can move to a square that stops the skewer.