Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack

Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack

Definition

The Lasker-Dunne Attack is a sharp gambit line in the Sicilian Defense that begins 1. e4 c5 2. b4!? cxb4 3. a3. By offering the b-pawn and immediately challenging the advanced c-pawn with 3. a3, White tries to deflect Black’s queenside pawn, open the a- and b-files, and seize the initiative. Though technically part of the Wing Gambit, the sequence with 3. a3 was popularized by the second World Champion Emanuel Lasker and U.S. master James F. Dunne, giving the line its double-barrelled name.

Typical Move-Order

1. e4  c5
2. b4  cxb4
3. a3  (the critical moment)

Black’s main replies:

• 3…d5 – the most respected antidote, striking in the centre.
• 3…bxa3 – clinging to the extra pawn but opening the a-file after 4.Bxa3.
• 3…e5 or 3…Nc6 – slower attempts to consolidate that often lead to dangerous pressure for White.

Strategic Ideas

• Deflection & Weak Squares: Dragging the c-pawn to b4 deprives Black of the key …d5 break and leaves holes on c5, d6, and sometimes a6.
• Open Files: After axb4 or Bxb4, the a- and b-files open quickly, allowing rooks (or even a queen) to invade.
• Development Lead: White often gambits not only a pawn but time—rapid piece activity is essential to justify the material deficit.
• Flexibility: If Black declines the pawn altogether (e.g. 2…d5), play can transpose into Alapin-style Sicilians with the bonus option of b4-b5 later.

Historical Background

The Wing Gambit idea (2. b4) was first analysed by Carl Jaenisch in the 19th century. Lasker debuted the immediate 3. a3 in his 1900 match games, notably beating the formidable Frank Marshall. Around the same period, James F. Dunne used the line with success in New York events, and modern databases record the hybrid name Lasker-Dunne Attack. While never a mainstream solution to the Sicilian, it has enjoyed periodic revivals as a surprise weapon, especially in rapid and blitz chess.

Illustrative Games

• Emanuel Lasker – Frank Marshall, Paris 1900
  
  
  Lasker sacrifices a second pawn, builds a powerful centre, and crashes through on the kingside.
• James F. Dunne – H. Schroeder, New York 1903
  
  
  Dunne demonstrates the long-diagonal pressure after an early Bb2, regaining the pawn and keeping the initiative.

Modern Evaluation

Engine assessments hover around equality if Black responds accurately, but practical results (especially in blitz) favour the better-prepared side. According to the lichess masters database (2020-2023) the line scores a respectable 55 % for White.

Recurring Tactical Motifs

• Bxf7⁺ sacrifices exploiting an exposed king in the centre.
• Exchange sac on a8: Ra1-a4-xb4-a8, often winning material or shattering Black’s queenside.
• Central pawn storms e4-d4-c4, supported by rooks that swing via a3 or b3.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Mikhail Tal recommended the Wing Gambit (including 3.a3) as an excellent coffee-house weapon for club players.
• Alexander Morozevich used the Lasker-Dunne Attack in online elite blitz events, scoring several miniature wins.
• Classified under ECO code B20.

When to Choose This Line

Opt for the Lasker-Dunne Attack if you:

• Thrive on unbalanced, tactical positions.
• Want to jolt a Sicilian specialist out of deep preparation.
• Are playing a rapid or blitz game where surprise value is magnified.

Further Study

• Gambiteer I by Nigel Davies – chapter on the Wing Gambit.
• Chessable course 1.e4 for the Creative Attacker – video coverage of 2.b4 and 3.a3 ideas.
• Sparring vs. engines from the tabia position after 3.a3 to drill tactical themes.