1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 *
Named after the legendary Emanuel Lasker, The Lasker Trap is a variation of the Albin Countergambit Chess opening played with the Black pieces.
The underpromotion tactic is a nice compliment to the success of this trap.
Main Line
The PGN below shows the main line sequence of the Lasker Trap.
The Albin Countergambit starts with the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5
White’s best option is to accept the gambit 3.dxe5 Black then continues with 3…d4 and if White continues with 4.e3? White will find himself in position to get caught in the Lasker Trap.
Examples
Blumenfeld / Boyarkow / Falk vs Emanuel Lasker
Consultation simul, 13b (1899) (exhibition), Moscow RUE, Feb-12
This is probably the most famous example of the Lasker Trap because it was played by Emanuel Lasker himself and the game is also famous in and of itself. This was a simultaneous exhibition in 1899 in Moscow between Benjamin Blumenfeld, Boyarkow, and Falk against Emanuel Lasker.
I hope this guide on the Lasker Trap helped you. if you liked this post, you may want to learn other Chess Traps like the Halosar Trap and Magnus Smith Trap.
Sources