Alekhines Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation
Alekhine’s Defense – Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation
Definition
The Alekhine’s Defense, Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation is a sharp branch of Alekhine’s Defense that begins with the moves
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 (the critical Two Pawns Attack) 5. d4 d6 6. Bc4 (Lasker Variation proper)
In this system White drives Black’s knight around with advancing pawns (hence “Two Pawns”) and then develops Bc4, aiming at the sensitive f7 square while retaining a large spatial wedge on the queenside. The line is named after World Champion Emanuel Lasker, who popularized this setup in the 1920s.
How it is Used in Play
- White’s plan: Maintain the advanced pawn chain e5–c5, support it with d4, and launch pressure against f7 (via Bc4, Qf3, Nf3–g5 ideas). The space advantage cramps Black’s pieces and may later translate into a kingside attack.
- Black’s plan: Challenge the pawn wedge with …d6 and …dxe5, undermine with …c5 or …e6, and eventually strike at the base pawn on e5. Precise move-order tricks are common; careless play can leave Black far behind in development.
Key Strategic Themes
- Space versus Structure – White has more room but owns isolated advanced pawns that may become targets if the initiative fades.
- Piece Activity – Both sides race to complete development; a single tempo can decide whether Black equalizes or White’s attack crashes through.
- Pawn Breaks – The central break …dxe5 (sometimes prepared by …e6) is Black’s main liberating idea. White often answers with dxe5 and Qxd8+ to reach a favorable endgame.
- King Safety – Because bishops eye f7 and knights hop toward g5, Black must choose castling side carefully; castling kingside too early can be hazardous.
Main Line Continuation
6… e6 (Black reinforces d5 and prepares …dxe5) 7. Nf3 dxe5 8. Nxe5 Be7 9. O-O O-O
Here the position is dynamically balanced: White’s lead in space and development is offset by Black’s solid structure and the potential to attack the c5-pawn.
Historical Context
Although Alexander Alekhine introduced his eponymous defense in 1921 (Budapest), it was Emanuel Lasker who first employed the aggressive Bc4 plan in casual games and analysis sessions. The line later attracted attacking players such as Bent Larsen and Vladimir Bagirov during the 1960s – 80s. In modern praxis it is less common—partly because engines show exact defensive resources for Black—but it remains a potent surprise weapon in rapid or blitz.
Notable Game
E. Lasker – A. Alekhine, Berlin 1923 (simultaneous exhibition)
Lasker’s thematic 9.Qg4 and 11.Qh4 hammered f6 and f7, demonstrating the attacking potential in practical play.
Typical Tactics
- Greek Gift Motifs – Sacrifices on h7 (Bxh7+) can arise if Black castles short and is careless.
- Fork Tricks – After …dxe5, the fork c5–c6 can disrupt Black’s coordination.
- Pin on the d-file – The open d-file often allows White’s rook or queen to pin Black’s knight on d5 or bishop on d7.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Emanuel Lasker reportedly analyzed the variation while riding the train to tournaments, jotting ideas on napkins—hence contemporaries jokingly called it the “Railway Line.”
- The Two Pawns Attack inspired the computer program Socrates II (1984) to upset several masters; the engine’s fondness for pushing pawns made it a natural fit.
- Modern top grandmasters rarely enter the line as Black without deep preparation because one misstep can land them in a lost endgame with queenless middlegame weaknesses.
Sample Repertoire Table
For quick reference, here is a condensed move-order map:
- 6…e6 – Main line (diagram above).
- 6…c6 – A modern sideline; Black tries to blunt Bc4 before clarifying the center.
- 6…dxe5? – Premature; 7.dxe5 e6 8.Nc3! gives White a clear advantage.
Overall, the Lasker Variation of the Two Pawns Attack offers ambitious players an opportunity to seize space and initiative from move one, while challenging defenders to demonstrate precise counter-attacking skills.