Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Russian Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Rfd1 Bd7. White: bishop on c4, pawn on d4, knight on c3, pawn on e3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, queen on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, rook on d1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, bishop on d7, queen on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, knight on c6, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on h6, pawn on c5.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Russian Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Rfd1 Bd7. It is classified D56 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white 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 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Rfd1 Bd7.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Russian Variation?
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Russian Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Rfd1 Bd7. It is classified D56 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, Russian Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Rfd1 Bd7. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense, Russian Variation 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.