Openings
Because the initial position is symmetrical there are only three distinct first moves: a3-b4, c3-b4, and c3-d4.
In Brettspiele der Völker, Lasker gives names to several openings:[1]
The Hague opening
1. | c3-b4 | a5xc3 |
2. | b2xd4 | ... |
Black can continue with g5-f4 or c5-b5.
The Berlin defence
1. | c3-d4 | e5xc3 |
2. | b2xd4 | c5-b4 |
Black can also play d6-e5.
The Wing gambit[2]
1. | a3-b4 | c5xa3 |
2. | e3-d4 | ... |
- ^ Emanuel Lasker: Brettspiele der Völker (Board Games of the Nations), Berlin: August Scherl, 1931.
- ^ Peter Billam: Laska - Openings, http://www.pjb.com.au/laska/index.html#Openings