Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation: what should White play?

e4! — Excellent Choice!

✅ One of 2 top moves — you found the most ambitious strategy!

Why this move is excellent: By playing e4, you immediately challenge the center and restrict Black's e5 pawn. This move opens diagonals for your f1 and prepares to fight for the d5 square, forcing Black to respond to your central presence.

Multiple Valid Strategies

Different paths, same destination: While many players at your level instinctively play the more timid e3 (35% of humans), you chose the most principled approach. e4 is more aggressive, leading to open lines, whereas c4 is a positional squeeze. Both are objectively superior to the common human error of playing too passively.

Your Continuation

After e4, the game likely explodes in the center: d5 exd5 Qxd5 Nc3 Qc5

What Made This Move Good

You correctly saw: That the e5 pawn was a target and that White needs to claim space before Black solidifies with d6. By pushing two squares, you maximize the scope of your pieces and put immediate pressure on the opponent.

📚 Takeaway: When you have two great options like e4 and c4, choose the one that fits your style. Today, you chose the path of maximum central control!