How to Play the Bird Opening: Lasker Gambit
- 1. f4: White aims to control the e5 square from the king’s flank, setting the stage for a flank game and potentially allowing for a quick castling.
- 1… e5: Black immediately responds to the center, challenging White’s control of the e5 square and offering a gambit to accelerate development.
- 2. fxe5: White accepts the gambit, capturing the pawn on e5. This opens the f-file for the white rook but weakens the pawn structure on the king’s side.
- 2… f6: Black seeks to recapture the pawn offered on e5, increasing pressure in the center and preparing the development of minor pieces towards the center and castling.
Variations of the Bird Opening: Lasker Gambit
Rejection of the Gambit
An important variation is when White decides not to accept the gambit offered by Black. Instead of capturing on e5, White can choose to play e3 or Nf3, aiming for a more closed and conservative game.
Black’s Quick Attack
After 2… f6, if White is not vigilant, Black can launch a quick attack. For example, if White makes a careless move like 3. Nf3, Black can continue with d6, quickly regaining the pawn and maintaining the initiative.
The Bird Opening