Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit: what should White play?

In the Center Game: von der Lasa Gambit, White is presented with a significant tactical opportunity following Black's king move to f7. The most effective continuation is Qxc5, which captures the unprotected bishop and establishes a clear material advantage. This move is supported by engine evaluations of +0.98 and is the overwhelming choice in master-level play, appearing in 90.9% of the 217,434 recorded games for this position.

The primary continuation with Qxc5

The move Qxc5 is the standard response, chosen in 198,000 recorded instances. By removing the c5, White simplifies the position while maintaining pressure on the center. The engine suggests the main line follows Qxc5 Nf6 Nf3 Nc6 Nxd4 Nxe4, where White retains a nearly one-pawn advantage. This line focuses on rapid development and central control, utilizing the c5 to restrict Black's coordination.

Tactical alternatives and the check on d5

A secondary option is Qd5+, which has been played in 9.0% of games (approximately 20,000 recorded cases). While this move forces the Black king to move again, the engine evaluation drops slightly to +0.63. The typical sequence Qd5+ Kg7 Qxc5 Nc6 Nf3 Nf6 eventually leads to the capture of the bishop anyway, but allows Black to tuck the king away on g7 more efficiently than in the main line.

Strategic errors and inaccuracies

Retreating the queen or attempting to ignore the hanging bishop results in a significant loss of compensation. The move Qe5 is considered a blunder with an evaluation of -2.35, as seen in 193 games, leading to the line Qe5 Bb4+ c3 Nf6 cxb4 Re8 where White's queen becomes vulnerable. Even more detrimental are Qd1 and Qe2, both of which carry evaluations below -4.00. These retreats fail to address the immediate tactical requirements of the von der Lasa Gambit and allow Black to consolidate a winning position.