Lasker's queen sacrifice is lesson 7 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 3: king hunts, an opening course suited to players rated around 1500 (club players). Dutch Defence, A40. A queen sacrifice on h7 and a king hunt all the way to g1. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This position is from Edward Lasker against George Thomas, London 1912. Black's king is castled, but your knights on e4 and e5 are close, and your bishop on d3 aims at h7. This exact position is rare on Lichess, but the idea comes up again and again.
Qxh7 check! White gives the queen. After Kxh7, the knights chase the king up the board.
After Kxh7, Nxf6 is a double check, and the king walks forward. Check after check, h4, g3, Be2 and Rh2, drives it all the way to g1. Then Kd2 is a discovered checkmate.
Recap.
A queen sacrifice works when every reply is forced.
Qxh7 check, Kxh7, Nxf6 double check.
Then check after check drives the king to g1.
Count the checks before you give the queen.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Dutch Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's king looks safe on g8. Give your queen to drag it out.
After the double check, the king tries h8. Is there a mate in one?
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Dutch Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Qe7. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's king looks safe on g8. Give your queen to drag it out. That is Lasker's queen sacrifice. Every check pushes the king one step closer to mate.
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