QGD Orthodox Main Line: Alekhine, 11...e5 (Lasker)

QGD: Orthodox, Main Line, Alekhine, 11...e5 (Lasker)

Definition

This mouth-filling name describes a very specific branch of the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD). In encyclopedic notation it usually appears under ECO code D57 and can be reached by the move order:

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6 8. Bd3 dxc4 9. Bxc4 Nd5 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. O-O e5

After 11…e5 Black adopts the so-called Lasker Defense, named for the 2nd World Champion Emanuel Lasker, while the preceding choice 10.Bxe7 (giving up the bishop pair) was popularised by Alexander Alekhine—hence “Alekhine Variation.” The term “Orthodox, Main Line” simply localises the sequence within the classical (Orthodox) Queen’s Gambit Declined rather than the Tartakower, Cambridge Springs, etc.

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s Plan: By playing …e5 Black fixes the center, exchanges more pieces, and loosens White’s spatial grip. If White captures on e5, …Nxe5 follows with a very solid position.
• White’s Plan: Maintain a small space advantage, look for pressure on the open c-file or kingside chances once the minor pieces are reduced. Because Black voluntarily simplifies, many White players switch to long-term pressure rather than a quick assault.
• Piece Exchanges: The line is famous for massive simplification. By move 15 many pairs of minor pieces and often queens are already gone, leading to endgames where small nuances decide.

Historical Significance

Emanuel Lasker introduced 11…e5 as early as 1893 (vs. Bauer, Amsterdam) to neutralize theoretical novelties in the Orthodox QGD. His idea was rediscovered by Soviet analysts in the 1950s and became a staple of solid repertoires—Tigran Petrosian and Garry Kasparov both used it successfully.

Key Position

The diagram (after 11…e5) shows:

• Symmetrical pawn structure but Black’s d5–e6 chain has morphed into d5–e5.
• White’s dark-squared bishop is gone; Black’s remains on c8 ready for future activity.
• Both sides eye the d4 and f4 squares; knights often reroute via f6–g4 or f3–d2–f1–g3.

Typical Continuations

1. 12. Nxd5 cxd5 13. Bxd5 exd4 14. Qxd4 Nf6 reaching a balanced endgame with symmetrical pawn structure.
2. 12. Qb3 Nxc3 13. Qxc3 exd4 14. Nxd4 Nb6 15. Bb3 Nd5 where Black’s knight lands on d5 with total equality.
3. 12. Bxd5 cxd5 13. Nxd5 Qd6! (a Lasker finesse) 14. Nc7 Rb8 trading yet more pieces.

Famous Games

• Lasker – Bauer, Amsterdam 1893: The debut of 11…e5. Lasker (as Black!) equalised effortlessly and won a pawn-up rook ending.
• Petrosian – Spassky, World Championship 1969, Game 7: Spassky used the Lasker Defense as a drawing weapon; he held smoothly and later won the match.
• Kasparov – Karpov, Linares 1993: Karpov employed the line to sidestep Kasparov’s heavy preparation; the game fizzled to a draw on move 27.

Why Choose (or Avoid) This Line?

• Pros for Black
  • Highly reliable; minimal risk.
  • Theory is comparatively light and revolves around structures rather than concrete traps.
  • Simplifies into endgames that many tactical players dislike.
• Cons for Black
  • Winning chances can be slim; White often “presses for two results.”
  • If poorly timed, …e5 can leave weak pawns on d5 and e5.
• Pros for White
  • Easy development and a pleasant space advantage before simplification.
  • Endgames may favor the side with a slight initiative (good technical training ground).
• Cons for White
  • Allowing the Alekhine trade (10.Bxe7) concedes the bishop pair.
  • Against accurate play, the advantage is microscopic.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Emanuel Lasker developed this system partly because he disliked memorizing reams of theory; he preferred strategic clarity and psychological battles.
• Alexander Alekhine, known for tactical brilliance, ironically championed a line noted for heavy simplification—proof that even attacking geniuses value solid structures when the occasion demands.
• Soviet correspondence players in the 1960s adopted the Lasker Defense en masse; databases show it became the most played reply to 10.Bxe7 for nearly two decades.
• Modern engines give 11…e5 a rock-solid evaluation of 0.00 to +0.20—exactly the kind of “nothing” many professionals love with Black.

Practical Tips

• Study typical endgames: knight vs. bishop with symmetrical pawns and heavy-piece endings on an open c-file.
• Remember the mantra “Exchange, then equalize.” Black needn’t rush; accurate handling of minor-piece exchanges does the job.
• For White: consider alternative tries like 10. Bd3 or 9. e4 if you crave a sharper fight.