Chess Openings Lab
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Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit

The von der Lasa Gambit is 3.Bc4 in the Center Game, developing the bishop toward f7 instead of regaining the d4 pawn. White hopes for quick piece play with Nf3 and an e5 push, while Black can grab e4 with ...Nf6 or keep the d4 pawn with a check on b4.

Moves
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Bc4
ECO
C21
Engine
−0.26 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
856 games in our lichess sample
White scores
53.8%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • Develop with Nf3 and recapture on d4 with the queen only when Black's knight cannot gain time on it.
  • Against ...Nf6, the engine accepts 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qxd4, getting quick development for the e-pawn.
  • Against ...Nc6, push e5 to kick the f6 knight and use Bb5 and short castling.
  • After the check on b4, c3 offers a second pawn for a lead in development.

Black

  • 3...Nf6 attacks e4 at once. If 4.Nf3, ...Nxe4 grabs the pawn while White retakes d4.
  • After 5.Qxd4, retreat the knight to f6 and play ...c6 and ...d5 to blunt the c4 bishop.
  • The check on b4 lets Black keep d4 or trade on c3 and play ...d6 with a solid extra pawn.
  • 3...Nc6 gives a Scotch Gambit type of game where ...d5 answers an e5 push.

Plans and pawn structure

The bishop on c4 aims at f7, so Black should be careful about the f-file and the a2-g8 diagonal. If Black grabs e4, White is a pawn down but has the queen centralized on d4, knights on c3 and f3, and Bg5 ideas against f6. Black consolidates with ...c6, ...d5 and ...Be7, then castles. If Black takes on c3 after the check, White has two bishops and open files, and Black must finish development before using the extra pawn.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position −0.26: level. Its three top choices for Black:

  1. −0.26 3...Nf6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qxd4 Nf6 6.Nc3
  2. −0.11 3...Bb4+ 4.c3 dxc3 5.Nxc3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3
  3. −0.06 3...Nc6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

856 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 53.8%.

under 120054.8%
1200–159952.5%
1600–199955.9%
2000 and up46.4%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

How to play against it

As Black, 3...Nf6 is the clearest: it hits e4 and develops. Do not play ...d5 too early while the c4 bishop and a queen on d4 can win material. Keep f7 protected and castle before grabbing more. After ...Nxe4, the knight usually returns to f6 to stay safe.

Questions

What are the moves of the Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit?

The Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit starts 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Bc4. Its ECO code is C21.

Is the Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit good for White?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position −0.26 at depth 20, which is level. In 856 lichess games from our sample, White scored 53.8%. An attacking try that gives White open play; Black is fine with clear development and should not fear the pawn grab on e4.

What is the main idea of the Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit?

White develops the bishop to c4 instead of winning the pawn back right away. The idea is fast piece play aimed at f7, while Black can take e4 with ...Nf6 and consolidate with ...c6 and ...d5.

What should Black play next?

The engine's first choice is Nf6, with Bb4+ and Nc6 close behind. 3...Nf6 develops with an attack on e4, so White must either gambit the pawn or spend time defending it.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.