Chess in 40 SecondsAll traps

Dodge the Lasker Trap

Defense · Intermediate · chessin40seconds.com/d12

White to move. Don't push your e-pawn.

Snort's pawn on d4 is begging to be hit. Don't fall for it.

Solve it on the boardWatch the 40-second video
Hint

Develop a piece instead. The d4 pawn isn't going anywhere.

Answer

Nf3 — Correct! Develop first. The d4 pawn will be a target later.

The tempting mistake

That's the trap: Bb4+ and his pawn breaks through to f2 and promotes.

The idea

Hitting a pawn can open lines for the enemy bishop. Develop first.

This defense is one of 41 quick puzzles in the Chess in 40 Seconds trainer: find the move on the board, get a hint if you're stuck, and learn the idea so you never fall for it in your own games.

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