ECO code: D56
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defence
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 h6 7. Bh4 Ne4
Description: The Lasker Defence is a solid and resilient variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. Black challenges White's bishop on g5 with the move ...Ne4, aiming to simplify the position by exchanging pieces and reducing White's attacking potential. This characteristic knight move to e4 is the hallmark of the Lasker Defence, seeking to neutralize White's pin on the knight and exert control over the center.
Characteristic of the Move ...Ne4: The knight move to e4 forces White to decide how to maintain or exchange the bishop on h4, often leading to piece exchanges that help Black achieve a comfortable and stable position. It is a strategic, somewhat prophylactic move, designed to relieve pressure rather than initiate direct attacks.
Style and Strategy: From Black's perspective, the Lasker Defence is primarily defensive and positional, aiming to simplify the game and minimize White's attacking chances. White, on the other hand, typically tries to maintain central tension and develop harmoniously to capitalize on Black's temporary lack of central pawn advances.
Center Control: This opening does involve contesting the center, though Black adopts a more restrained approach by deferring central pawn breaks and focusing on piece play and exchanges. White maintains a strong pawn presence in the center with c4 and d4, while Black keeps a solid pawn structure, ready to challenge the center at the right moment.
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 QGD: Lasker Defence, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #25 black