OPENING TRAP
Lasker Trap: An underpromotion to a knight wins the game
The Lasker Trap is a trap in the Albin Countergambit. An underpromotion to a knight wins the game. Black is winning on material and the white king is exposed.
The moves
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 fxg1=N+ 8. Ke1 Qh4+
- 1. d4 White starts with the queen’s pawn.
- 1... d5 You answer in the centre.
- 2. c4 White offers the Queen’s Gambit.
- 2... e5 The Albin Countergambit. You give a pawn for active play.
- 3. dxe5 White takes the pawn.
- 3... d4 Your pawn cramps White’s pieces.
- 4. e3 White tries to break it open.
- 4... Bb4+ Check! The bishop becomes bait.
- 5. Bd2 White blocks with the bishop.
- 5... dxe3 You capture and open the file. The pawn threatens to take f2 with check.
- 6. Bxb4 White takes your bishop. This is the mistake.
- 6... exf2+ Check! The pawn takes f2 and attacks both the king and the knight on g1.
- 7. Ke2 The king steps to e2.
- 7... fxg1=N+ The underpromotion. A knight gives check; a queen would just be taken by the rook.
- 8. Ke1 White’s king goes back.
- 8... Qh4+ Check again. The knight and the rook on h1 are both in trouble.
How to avoid it
As White, do not take the bishop on b4. The calm 5.Nd2 avoids the whole trap.
Practise it
In Trap Academy you watch this lesson, then play the Black side yourself against the replies of the trap. This lesson is part of Skillwik Pro.
Add to Chrome — freeFrequently asked questions
What is the Lasker Trap?
- An underpromotion to a knight wins the game. It arises in the Albin Countergambit. Black is winning on material and the white king is exposed.
How do you avoid the Lasker Trap?
- As White, do not take the bishop on b4. The calm 5.Nd2 avoids the whole trap.