: Rather than occupying the center with pawns immediately, White invites Black to establish a center (often with ...e5 and ...d5) and then systematically undermines it from the wings.
: Because it is less common than 1. e4 or 1. d4, opponents are frequently forced to rely on raw chess skill rather than memorized theory. Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack - Chess Openings : Rather than occupying the center with pawns
The fundamental idea of the Nimzo-Larsen is to use the extra tempo White has to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to . This bishop becomes a powerhouse, exerting long-term pressure on the g7 pawn and the e5 and d4 central squares. : Rather than occupying the center with pawns