Lasker Open: Striking Gold with Quirky Lines

Mikhael Tal quipped “You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only wide enough for one.”

This round we saw a number of games in which white invited black into the deep dark forest by choosing a provocative opening. We were treated to the Trompowski, the Jobova and the “regular” London, as well as the Bird Opening.

David decided to go for a no-nonsense approach when confronted with the Trompowski

and went for 2. … e6 and didn’t face any problems.

Russel went for his trusted Jobava London again and was rewarded with a quick victory.

Arturo got a fantastic attacking position by starting with 1. f4. The Bird is generally considered to be somewhat dubious, Stockfish NNUE actually prefers the moves a3, a4, or h3 to 1. f4. But if things go white’s way it’s easy to see why people like this opening.

John and Chris picked established openings to fight their battles. Here is their King’s Indian/Benoni game.

Randy showed again his versatility in positions arising from 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6. This time he picked the Bogo-Indian Defense and equalized without too much trouble.

The other games played in round two can be found here.