Lasker Trap
White takes the bishop with Bxb4 while the pawn on e3 can advance with check. The line uses a knight underpromotion to keep checking and eventually wins the queen. It is a material-winning continuation, not a forced-mate lesson.
Ideas behind the moves
exf2+
exf2+ advances the passed pawn with check, giving Black time to continue the attack instead of immediately recapturing the bishop.
fxg1=N+
Promote to a knight with check. A queen on g1 would not check the king on e2; the knight does.
Bg4+
Bg4+ gains another tempo. The bishop attacks the king along the diagonal that also leads to the queen on d1.
Bxd1
Bxd1 captures the queen. The lesson ends with a material advantage; continue to develop and secure the king in a real game.
An example practice line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 fxg1=N+ 8. Rxg1 Bg4+ 9. Ke1 Bxd1
This trap depends on a specific opponent mistake. It is not a guaranteed win from the opening.
Common questions
What is Lasker Trap?
White takes the bishop with Bxb4 while the pawn on e3 can advance with check. The line uses a knight underpromotion to keep checking and eventually wins the queen. It is a material-winning continuation, not a forced-mate lesson.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.