The Lasker Trap is a variation of the Albin Countergambit, catalogued as ECO D08. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 fxg1=N+, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White’s e-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair; the d-file file is fully open.
On the Albin Countergambit generally: Black counter-gambits against the Queen's Gambit with ...e5, aiming for an advanced passed d-pawn. Contains the famous Lasker Trap.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 4 Albin Countergambit variations →
The Lasker Trap goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 fxg1=N+. It is a variation of the Albin Countergambit and is catalogued as ECO D08.
The Lasker Trap is ECO D08. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Albin Countergambit.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 fxg1=N+ at -5.25 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move. White’s e-file pawn is isolated; White has the bishop pair; the d-file file is fully open.