Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit

Definition

The von der Lasa Gambit is a pawn sacrifice for White that arises in the Center Game after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3. By advancing the c-pawn instead of immediately recapturing on d4 with the queen (3. Qxd4), White offers a second pawn in return for rapid development and central control. If Black accepts with 3…dxc3, the main tabiya continues 4. Nxc3, when White has regained one pawn and enjoys open lines for the bishops and queen.

Historical Background

• Named after German master and chess historian Tassilo von der Lasa (1818-1899), who analyzed and championed the idea in the mid-19th century.
• The gambit enjoyed brief popularity in the Romantic Era, fitting the adventurous style of open-game pioneers such as Anderssen, Mayet and von der Lasa himself.
• Modern master-level praxis is rare; computer engines judge the pawn sacrifice as objectively dubious, yet it remains a lively surprise weapon in rapid and club play.

Typical Move Order & Key Ideas

e4 e5
d4 exd4
c3 ( von der Lasa Gambit )
- 3…dxc3 – Accepted; leads to the critical lines.
- 3…d3 – Declined; Black keeps the extra pawn but cedes space (after 4.Bxd3).
- 3…Nc6 or 3…Nf6 – Transposes to Scandinavian-style structures in which White usually recaptures on d4 with the queen next move.
Nxc3 – White’s knight lands on its ideal square, eyeing d5 and e4.

Strategic Themes

Development versus Material – White forfeits a pawn (or half a pawn if Black returns it) to seize the initiative.
Open Diagonals – After c3 and Nxc3, the c1-f4 and a2-g8 diagonals become highways for the light-squared bishop and queen.
Central Tension – White strives for e4-e5 or f2-f4, whereas Black aims at consolidating with …d6, …Nc6, …Nf6 and timely pawn returns (…d5).
King Safety – Castling kingside is routine for both sides, but Black must watch the b1-h7 and a2-g8 diagonals, common avenues for sacrificial attacks.

Typical Continuations

After 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3:

4…Nc6 5.Nf3 Bb4 6.Bc4 Nf6 – The most classical setup. White pressures f7 and d5; Black banks on the extra pawn.
4…Bb4 5.Bc4 Nf6 6.e5 – A sharp line where White sacrifices a second pawn for a direct assault.
4…d6 5.Bc4 Nf6 6.Nf3 Be7 – Black solidifies and aims to neutralize the initiative, accepting a cramped but sound position.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following 23-move skirmish, played in a 2019 rapid event, shows how quickly the von der Lasa initiative can boil over if Black is careless:

White’s pieces flood the board, and the pressure on f7, c7 and the back-rank soon nets material.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

Tassilo von der Lasa was not only a strong master but also co-author of the Handbuch des Schachspiels, the definitive opening encyclopedia of the 19th century.
When played via 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3, the gambit can transpose to the more famous Danish Gambit if White follows up with 4.Bc4 instead of 4.Nxc3.
Modern engines suggest precise ways for Black to equalise, yet in blitz or bullet the gambit scores surprisingly well below master level because opponents are unfamiliar with the critical defences.
Some repertoire books list the line under the catch-all label “Center Game, Halász Gambit”; both names refer to the same idea.

Practical Tips

White players should memorise a few forcing continuations up to move 10; the initiative dissipates quickly if development stalls.
Black defenders are advised to prefer the solid accepted line 3…dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5…d6, returning the c-pawn later with …Nf6 and …d5 to blunt White’s bishops.

Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit