ECO code: A02
Opening Name: Bird: From Gambit, Lasker Variation, 5.d4 g4 6.Ne5
Moves: 1. f4 e5 2. fxe5 d6 3. exd6 Bxd6 4. Nf3 g5 5. d4 g4 6. Ne5
Description: This variation arises from the From Gambit against Bird’s Opening. After the central pawn exchanges, Black aggressively pushes 4...g5 aiming to challenge White’s control of the kingside and undermine White’s knight on f3. White’s 5.d4 strikes at the center, trying to establish a foothold, while Black’s 5...g4 further attacks the knight, provoking White’s knight to step forward to e5 with 6.Ne5. This move places the knight actively in the center, maintaining central pressure and preparing to exploit weaknesses created by Black’s aggressive pawn pushes.
Characteristic: The move 6.Ne5 is characteristic of White’s attempt to maintain central control and active piece play despite Black’s aggressive flank pawn advances. It is a tactical and dynamic response, seeking to leverage the initiative by placing the knight in an advanced, influential square.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is attacking and dynamic, aiming to challenge Black’s early aggression and regain central influence. For Black, the gambit and subsequent pawn pushes are also attacking, focusing on rapid kingside pressure and opening lines for piece activity.
Center Control: Yes, this opening and especially the move 5.d4 followed by 6.Ne5 is focused on contesting and attacking the center. White strives to establish a strong central presence, counterbalancing Black’s flank aggression.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Bird: From Gambit, Lasker, 5.d4 g4 6.Ne5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #10 white