← Evans Gambit

Practice: Lasker Defense (5...Bc5)

Bishop returns to c5

Instead of retreating to a5, Black returns the bishop to c5. This defence was championed by Emanuel Lasker and is considered one of the most resilient.

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. b4 Bxb4
5. c3 Bc5
6. d4 exd4
7. O-O d6
8. cxd4 Bb6
9. Nc3 Na5
10. Bg5 f6
11. Be3 Nxc4
12. Qa4+ Bd7
13. Qxc4 Ne7
♟

Interactive practice board - requires JavaScript.

Use a chess board to memorise this line move by move. Your moves are checked against the correct sequence, with hints, a streak goal, and progress tracking.

Enable JavaScript or return to the opening page to see all available lines.

Key strategic ideas

  • White sacrifices a pawn on b4 to gain time for d4 and rapid development. The initiative often lasts well into the middlegame.
  • The bishops on c4 and the b2-bishop after c3-Bb2 target Black's weakened kingside.
  • Black has several defences, but all require precise play to weather White's initial attack.

Common mistakes & traps

  • A famous trap: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d6 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.d5 Na5 10.Bg5! with a winning attack.
  • If Black tries to hold the gambit pawn with ...Ba5 and ...b5, White plays a4! to open lines on the queenside.

Pawn structure notes

After the gambit, White typically has pawns on e4, d4, and c3, while Black has pawns on d6, e5, and the extra b-pawn. White aims to open lines for attack; Black tries to consolidate and return the pawn for a safe position.

Tips

  • The Lasker Defence returns the bishop to c5, maintaining central pressure
  • Black often gives back the extra pawn to reach a safe position with active pieces
  • Lasker's handling of this defence was a key factor in his world championship success

About this line

This line is rated advanced. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.