Lasker Defence (...h6, ...Ne4) is variation 2 of 6 in the Queen's Gambit Declined course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D56). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 …. Black uses ...h6 and ...Ne4 to swap two pairs of minor pieces. With fewer pieces on the board Black's space problem disappears, and ...b6, ...Bb7 and ...c5 complete development. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black matches in the centre.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit, challenging d5.
2... e6 – Solidly supports d5.
3. Nc3 – Piles up on d5.
3... Nf6 – Develops and guards d5 and e4.
4. Bg5 – Pins the f6 knight.
4... Be7 – Unpins and prepares castling.
5. e3 – Opens the f1 bishop and supports d4.
5... O-O – King safety first.
6. Nf3 – Develops and covers e5.
6... h6 – Gives the king a flight square on h7 and forces the bishop to choose.
7. Bh4 – Keeps the pin.
7... Ne4 – Lasker's idea: the knight offers trades on e7 and c3, and with two pairs of minor pieces gone Black's cramped game is freed.
8. Bxe7 – White exchanges bishops rather than let ...Nxc3 and ...Bxh4 happen with gain of time.
8... Qxe7 – Recaptures; the queen is active on e7, eyeing b4 and supporting a later ...e5.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM