Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.cxd5 Nxc3 10.bxc3. White: pawn on d5, pawn on d4, pawn on c3, pawn on e3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, queen on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on e6, pawn on h6.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.cxd5 Nxc3 10.bxc3. It is classified D57 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
Strategic character
Black shuts in the light-squared bishop with e6 in exchange for a stable centre. The recurring strategic themes are freeing the position with c5 or e5, and the minority attack, where White advances the queenside pawns to create a weakness in Black's structure.
Who should play it
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.
This line is a variation within the Queen's Gambit Declined family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.cxd5 Nxc3 10.bxc3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line?
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.cxd5 Nxc3 10.bxc3. It is classified D57 in the ECO system. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
What are the moves of the Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.cxd5 Nxc3 10.bxc3. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Main Line good for beginners?
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.