Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation

Chess players usually start with e4 opening move because it controls the center, frees the queen and bishop and allows space for the knight to easily develop. In the Scandinavian Defense opening, black responds with d5, taking over the center with a pawn rather than a piece. White then takes black's pawn with exd5, opening the queen's path to attack black's pawn on a5. This sets up the Lasker Variation where white continues to develop their pieces with Nc3, d4, Nf3 and h3 to prepare for the bishop's retreat to h2.

Black plays d5 after e4 to immediately challenge white's control of the center squares. By placing a pawn on d5, black gains more control of the board and stops white's pawn from advancing to e5 in one move. This move is also a way for black to free up their dark-squared bishop and allow their queen to have more mobility on the board. Additionally, d5 can lead to an open game and create opportunities for counterattacks against white's pieces.

White plays exd5 after Black's d5 to capture Black's pawn in the center and promote his own pawn on d4, which will increase his control over the center. This also opens up a line for White's queen to go on to attack Black's queen. Moreover, exd5 can help White get rid of his double pawns and improve his pieces' mobility. By capturing Black's pawn, White can also give himself an exciting opportunity to attack Black's king or gain an edge in the endgame.

In the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation, Black plays Qxd5 after White plays exd5 because it recaptures the pawn with a queen, exerting pressure on White's position. Black's queen also looks menacingly at White's king and knights, which could force White to weaken their pawn structure. The queen on d5 is also well-placed to support Black’s pieces if they come under threat. Another advantage of this move is that it prevents White from castling kingside and limits their opportunities for developing their pieces.

After Black plays Qxd5 in response to exd5, White typically responds with Nc3 in the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation. This move develops the knight and prepares for the castle kingside. It also puts pressure on Black's queen, as Nc3 may threaten to open up an attack on Black's queen if Black decides to move it again. By playing Nc3, White increases the pressure on Black's position and can establish a solid pawn structure. The knight can also be developed further to support other pieces and launch attacks on Black's position in the future.

In the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation, Black plays Qa5 after White's Nc3 as it puts pressure on White's pieces and threatens to win a pawn by targeting the undefended pawn on a2. Moreover, the black queen on a5 is well-placed to put pressure on White's king-side position if White chooses to castle in that direction. Additionally, Qa5 allows Black to develop their pieces while attacking White's pieces, particularly the knight on c3. By playing Qa5, Black gains more mobility on the board and increases the chances of putting White on the defensive.

In the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation, White plays d4 after Black's Qa5, which sets up a pawn chain that controls the center of the board and frees up the light-squared bishop. By playing d4, White also creates space for their other pieces to move, particularly their queen and knights. Additionally, this move ensures that Black's queen on a5 is not threatening to take White's pawn on d4. White can use this pawn to launch a king-side attack or potentially to create a passed pawn in the endgame. With d4, White establishes a strong central pawn structure and sets the stage for a more aggressive, attacking game.

In the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation, Black plays Nf6 after White's d4 to develop their knight to a central square and eye the e4 square. The knight also threatens to attack White's pawn on d4 if it is not properly defended. Additionally, the move Nf6 frees up the g7 square, allowing Black's light-squared bishop to come into play and support their central pawns. Nf6 also helps Black gain control over the center of the board and puts pressure on White's position. By developing Nf6, Black moves closer towards castling and begins to build a solid pawn structure in the center of the board.

After Black plays Nf6 in response to White's d4, White typically responds with Nf3 in the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation. This move develops the knight and prepares for castle kingside. It also protects the pawn on d4 and puts pressure on Black's advancing knight on f6. The knight on f3 can also support White's central pawn structure and potentially threaten an attack on Black's position in the future. Moreover, Nf3 is a crucial move that opens up the queen's path, freeing it to move towards the center of the board. By playing Nf3, White maintains a solid pawn structure in the center of the board and increases their chances of mounting a successful attack on Black's position.

In the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation, Black plays Bg4 after White's Nf3 to challenge the knight's central position. Bg4 pins the knight, making it difficult to move and potentially forcing it to trade with Black's bishop if white decides to capture it. The bishop on g4 also eyes the f3 pawn and limits White's opportunities to remove the pin because it would expose their pawn to a direct attack. Additionally, Bg4 develops Black's pieces and contributes to establishing a solid pawn structure in the center of the board. Black's bishop can also contribute to an attack on White's position in the future, especially if White's pieces become cramped. By playing Bg4, Black increases the pressure on White's position and prepares to launch aggressive, attacking moves.

After Black's Bg4 in response to Nf3, White can respond with h3 in the Scandinavian Defense: Lasker Variation. This move removes the threat of Black's knight jumping to g4 and putting pressure on White's king-side pawn structure. Additionally, h3 secures a safe square for White's light-squared bishop, preventing it from being harassed by Black's bishop or knight. The move h3 also prepares for White's king-side castle and can help White develop their position further. By playing h3, White can create a solid pawn foundation around their king and limit Black's opportunities to attack with their pieces. H3 is a move often found in many other chess openings and is used as a prophylactic move to prevent any possible threats on the board.