Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation is an aggressive opening for black that seeks to undermine white's central pawn structure. It starts with 1. e4 Nf6, putting immediate pressure on the e4 pawn.

White's response is usually 2. e5, forcing the knight to retreat to d5. Then comes the key move 3. c4, which prepares the advance of the second pawn to c5.

If white takes on b6, black can recapture with the knight and keep the tension in the center. The Lasker Variation (4. c5) aims to support the pawn on d5 and prevent black from playing c6.

While Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation can create dynamic positions with a lot of piece play, it requires precise calculation and a deep understanding of pawn structures. One wrong move can lead to a quick defeat, but given its unpredictable nature, it can also take white out of their comfort zone and lead to a decisive attack.

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation, move by move

e4

-0.15

The opening move of e4 is a very common one for white, with the aim of controlling the center of the board and opening up opportunities for white's other pieces. By occupying the center, white can put pressure on black and limit their options for development. Additionally, playing e4 can lead to a more open game and potentially faster attacks, which can be advantageous for more aggressive players. In sum, e4 can be a strong and flexible opening move for white to start with, and can lead to a variety of different chess positions depending on how black chooses to respond.

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Nf6

+0.93

The move Nf6 by Black is a common response to White's opening move of e4. By placing the knight on f6, Black is also aiming to control the center of the board and potentially counter any early attempts by White to gain a foothold there. Additionally, the knight on f6 can put pressure on White's pawn on e4 and threaten to capture it. The knight can also be used to support Black's development, such as by preparing to castle kingside. In sum, Nf6 is a solid and flexible move for Black that can help set the tone for the rest of the game.

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e5

+0.11

The move e5 by White is a common attempt to gain control of the center and break Black's defense of the knight on f6. By advancing the pawn to e5, White attacks the knight and creates a potential fork between the knight and the bishop on c8. Additionally, e5 can help White open up lines for their queen and bishop, putting pressure on the black king. However, playing e5 too early can also create weaknesses in White's position, such as leaving the d5 square vulnerable to a future attack by Black. In sum, e5 is a strong and aggressive move for White that can lead to a dynamic and complex game.

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Nd5

+0.73

In the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation, the move Nd5 by Black is aimed at challenging White's pawn on e5 and preventing it from advancing further. The knight can also put pressure on White's other central pawns, potentially opening up lines of attack for Black's other pieces. Additionally, placing the knight on d5 helps establish greater control of the center of the board for Black. However, Black must also be mindful of potential threats to the knight, such as White's pawn on c4 or the possibility of a future attack by White's queen or bishop. In sum, Nd5 can be a strong and flexible move for Black that can help establish a solid position in the early stages of the game.

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c4

+0.33

The move c4 by White aims to put additional pressure on Black's knight on d5 and further limit its mobility. By attacking the knight, White can force it to retreat to a less active or potentially vulnerable position. Additionally, c4 puts pressure on Black's pawn structure, potentially weakening the pawn on d5 and opening up lines of attack for White's pieces. The move can also be used to support White's development, potentially preparing to bring the bishop out to b2 or to castle kingside. In sum, c4 is a strong and flexible move for White that can help limit Black's options in the early stages of the game.

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Nb6

+0.85

The move Nb6 by Black is a common response to White's move of c4, which attacks Black's knight on d5. By moving the knight to b6, Black aims to challenge White's pawn on c4 and potentially create a threat against White's queen and bishop on the queenside. Additionally, the move Nb6 can help bolster Black's control of the center by preparing to bring the knight to d4. However, Black must be cautious not to leave the knight on b6 vulnerable to future attacks by White's pieces, particularly the pawn on c5. In sum, Nb6 is a solid and flexible move for Black that can help establish a strong position in the early stages of the game.

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c5

0

In the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation, the move c5 by White aims to further limit the mobility of Black's knight on b6 and potentially create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. By advancing the pawn to c5, White attacks Black's knight once again and threatens to further force it into a less active or potentially vulnerable position. Additionally, c5 can also help White open up lines for their other pieces and create opportunities for a future attack against Black's king. However, White must also be mindful of potential counterplay by Black, such as utilizing the open c-file or preparing to push the pawn on d5. In sum, c5 is a strong and aggressive move for White that can create pressure and tension in the position.

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How to play the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation requires active play from black to keep the pressure on white's center. Black's knight typically retreats to d5 after white plays e5. Then comes the key move 3. c4, which attempts to support the pawn on d5.

Black can respond to this with 3... c6 or instead play 3... Nb6 followed by 4... Nc4. Then the Lasker Variation (4. c5) can come into play.

Black should be prepared to face pawn breaks like d4 and e6, which could create an advantage for white if not handled carefully. However, with careful calculation and proper piece coordination, black can execute devastating attacks on white's kingside.

How to counter the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation is a tricky opening for white to face, requiring careful handling of the pawn structure. It's crucial to control the center with moves like d3, Nc3, and Nd2.

If black advances with c5, white can capture the pawn with their knight and then play d4 to gain space. Centralizing the queen early on is also recommended to increase pressure on black's position.

White should be ready to face the possibility of a queenside pawn storm, which requires quick piece development to meet force with force. Maintaining the option of castling on the kingside is key to preventing black's attacks on that side of the board.

If black sacrifices material or positions their king poorly in pursuit of aggressive play, looking for effective counterattack opportunities could lead to a winning advantage for white.

Pawn structure in the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation

In Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation, black's strategy centers around undermining white's center by targeting the pawn on e4. White's response with e5 creates a strong pawn duo, but also advances the pawn too far, leaving it vulnerable.

Black's pawn on d5 reinforces the central pressure on white. White can play c5 to support the pawn on d5, at which point black has a few options. If black plays Nb6 to attack the pawn on c4, white can respond with Bb5 to pin the knight.

If black captures on c5 with bxc5, it leads to an open b-file that could give white the opportunity to launch a queenside attack. The pawn on e5 can be both a pillar of white's control over the center and a liability if it turns out to be overextended.

The papachess advice

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation is a daring choice for black, demanding active play and precise calculation to reap its rewards. The opening's dynamic and aggressive nature can lead to unbalanced positions and decisive attacks. However, it's also vulnerable to pawn breaks and requires pinpointed piece coordination to avoid losing material.

White must be prepared to handle the opening's unpredictability, keeping the center under control, and avoiding over-extension. This variation has a strong legacy dating back to the early 20th century when Alekhine employed it to defeat top players of his time.

Today, it remains a popular option among grandmasters and amateurs alike for its potential to lead to sharp, exciting games. As with any opening, mastering Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Lasker Variation requires practice, analysis, and an understanding of strategic nuances. But for those who enjoy dynamic play and aren't afraid to take risks, this opening can lead to thrilling victories.