Master Lasker’s brilliant style – psychological play, practical strategy, and stunning tactics that ruled chess for nearly three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is this course designed for?
This course is ideal for beginner to intermediate chess players who want to learn from Emanuel Lasker’s instructive games and strategic insights.
2. What skills will I gain from this course?
You will gain a deeper understanding of chess strategy, opening theory, endgame mastery, and psychological approaches to the game.
3. How long is the course?
The course offers approximately 21.5 hours of on-demand video content.
4. Do I need prior chess knowledge to take this course?
Basic knowledge of chess rules and piece movements is recommended, but no advanced knowledge is required.
5. Will the course cover Lasker’s famous games?
Yes, the course analyzes many of Lasker’s key instructive games from his rise to becoming World Champion.
6. Does the course focus on openings or endgames?
The course covers both, with detailed explorations of Lasker's opening strategies and endgame techniques.
7. Are psychological aspects of chess discussed?
Yes, it includes insights into Lasker’s psychological approach and meta-game tactics.
8. Can this course help improve my tournament play?
Absolutely. The strategic and psychological lessons are designed to boost your competitive chess skills.
9. Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
10. Can I access the course on mobile devices?
Yes, the course is accessible on desktop, mobile, and TV platforms with lifetime access.
11. Does the course include downloadable resources?
Yes, supplemental materials and downloadable resources are included.
12. Who is the instructor of this course?
The course is taught by FIDE Candidate Master Tryfon Gavriel, known as Kingscrusher.
13. Will I learn how Lasker influenced other champions?
Yes, the course explores Lasker’s influence on players like Tal, Fischer, Kramnik, and others.
14. Is this course suitable for self-study?
Yes, the course is designed for self-paced learning with clear, structured lessons.
15. How is the course structured?
The course is divided into multiple sections featuring video lectures, game analyses, and supporting materials.
100 Fun Facts & Trivia About Emanuel Lasker
1. Longest Reigning World Chess Champion
Emanuel Lasker held the World Chess Champion title for 27 years, from 1894 to 1921.
2. Mathematician and Philosopher
Lasker was not only a chess player but also a mathematician and philosopher, contributing to both fields.
3. Inventor of the Lasker Trap
He developed the famous Lasker Trap in the Albin Counter-Gambit opening.
4. Famous for Psychological Play
Lasker was known for using psychological strategies to confuse and unsettle opponents.
5. Lasker’s “The Art of Chess” Philosophy
He believed chess was a “fight” and incorporated this mindset into his approach.
6. Innovator of Defensive Play
Lasker excelled at defensive techniques, often turning bad positions into draws or wins.
7. Influenced Modern Chess Theory
His ideas heavily influenced the development of modern positional chess theory.
8. Rivalry With Wilhelm Steinitz
Lasker defeated Steinitz to become World Champion, starting his 27-year reign.
9. Author of “Lasker’s Manual of Chess”
He wrote one of the early influential chess books still referenced today.
10. First Jewish World Chess Champion
Lasker was the first Jewish player to win the World Chess Championship.
11. Emphasized Practical Play
He valued practical, real-game results over purely theoretical perfection.
12. Skilled in Endgames
Lasker was a master of complex endgames and study of this phase.
13. Multi-lingual Scholar
He spoke several languages and lectured in many countries.
14. Lasker vs. Capablanca Matches
His matches against Capablanca were legendary, highlighting a clash of styles.
15. Promoted the “Meta-Game” Concept
Lasker considered the opponent’s psychology part of the game.
16. Advanced Use of “Prophylaxis”
He was a pioneer in anticipating opponents’ plans and countering them.
17. Lasker’s Impact on Tal
Mikhail Tal cited Lasker as an important influence on his fighting style.
18. Played Simultaneous Exhibitions
He often played multiple games simultaneously, showing his endurance and skill.
19. Lasker’s Mathematical Work
Besides chess, he published work in algebra and game theory.
20. The “Lasker Score”
He is one of the highest-rated players retrospectively by chessmetrics and other rankings.
21. Defended the Berlin Defence
Lasker used the Berlin Defence extensively with great success.
22. Chess as a Mental Sport
Lasker viewed chess as a battle of minds rather than just moves.
23. Known for Resilience
He was famous for fighting back from difficult positions to win or draw.
24. Lasker’s Use of “Waiting Moves”
He was a master of subtle, non-committal moves that frustrate opponents.
25. Integrated Philosophy and Chess
He blended his philosophical ideas into his understanding of the game.
26. Influenced Vladimir Kramnik
Modern champions like Kramnik acknowledge Lasker’s legacy in their play.
27. Maintained Peak Form Into His 50s
Lasker was competitive well beyond the usual prime chess age.
28. Avoided Opening Theory Battles
He preferred practical approaches rather than deep opening preparation.
29. Innovator in the Queen’s Gambit Declined
Lasker contributed important ideas in this opening system.
30. Often Traded Material for Positional Gains
He knew how to sacrifice material for long-term advantages.
31. Famous for Patience and Strategy
Lasker was known to patiently outmaneuver opponents over many moves.
32. Known for Adaptive Play
He could switch styles to suit opponents or match situations.
33. Lasker’s Psychological Matches
He often exploited opponents' emotional weaknesses.
34. Created the “Balance of Forces” Concept
He understood how to keep equilibrium and then strike at the right moment.
35. Successful Against Aggressive Players
His defensive skills made him strong against attacking opponents.
36. Chess and Mathematics Synergy
His logical thinking in math influenced his chess calculations.
37. Famous Games Against Siegbert Tarrasch
Lasker had notable games with Tarrasch, a top rival of his time.
38. Known for Endgame Masterpieces
Many of Lasker’s endgames are studied for their clarity and precision.
39. Early Use of Positional Sacrifices
He employed sacrifices that disrupted opponents’ structure.
40. Lasker’s Match Against José Capablanca (1921)
This match marked the end of his world championship reign.
41. Innovated in the Ruy Lopez Opening
Lasker’s ideas remain relevant in modern Ruy Lopez theory.
42. Known as a “Scientific Chess Player”
He approached chess with methodical and logical precision.
43. Early Advocate of Positional Play
Lasker emphasized controlling key squares and pawn structure.
44. Held Academic Positions
Besides chess, he was involved in academic teaching and research.
45. Famous for Innovative Pawn Structures
He developed novel concepts for pawn play and control.
46. Played a Key Role in Developing Hypermodernism
Lasker’s ideas helped shape this influential chess movement.
47. Known for Calculating Deep Variations
He could analyze complex positions many moves ahead.
48. Lasker vs. Emanuel Rubinstein Games
Their encounters were classics that tested positional and tactical skill.
49. Lasker’s Personal Discipline
He was known for rigorous study and preparation.
50. Emphasized Adaptability Over Memorization
Lasker taught that understanding ideas outweighs rote learning.
51. His Chess Philosophy Influenced Modern Theory
Many ideas in today’s chess come from his writings and games.
52. Mastered Both Attack and Defense
Lasker was equally skilled in launching attacks and defending carefully.
53. Famous for Psychological Endgames
He often played endgames that pressured opponents mentally as well as positionally.
54. The “Lasker Strategy” in Modern Chess
Many trainers teach his approach as a foundation for modern play.
55. Believed Chess Was a Battle of Wits
His famous quote: “When you see a good move, look for a better one.”
56. Used Opponent’s Weaknesses Against Them
Lasker excelled at identifying and exploiting opponent errors.
57. Pioneered Use of Endgame Tablebases
Though early, he anticipated detailed endgame analysis techniques.
58. Played a Key Role in Chess Politics
Lasker was active in chess governance and organization.
59. Famous for Defensive Resourcefulness
His defense is studied as some of the most resilient ever played.
60. Developed Opening Lines Still Played Today
Many openings bear his influence, still common in tournament play.
61. Known for His Sportsmanship
Lasker was respected for fairness and honor at the chessboard.
62. Utilized “Waiting Moves” to Gain Advantage
He mastered subtle moves that forced opponents into errors.
63. Lasker’s Approach to Tournament Preparation
He advocated comprehensive but practical preparation.
64. Encouraged Creative Thinking
He valued innovation over strict adherence to theory.
65. His Games Feature Many Endgame Swindles
Lasker was famous for turning losing endgames around.
66. Developed Novel Defensive Ideas
He introduced concepts like blockading and fortresses.
67. Chess and Philosophy Combined
Lasker’s philosophical writings enrich his chess ideas.
68. Famous For Flexibility in Strategy
He adapted his plans dynamically to changing circumstances.
69. His Games Have Educational Value
Many chess courses use his games to teach fundamentals.
70. Lasker’s Contributions to Opening Theory
He developed and refined multiple opening lines.
71. Believed in Psychological Preparation
He prepared mentally to gain advantage before the game began.
72. Famous for Enduring Competitive Spirit
Lasker competed at top levels for decades.
73. Mentor to Other Chess Players
He coached and influenced many future champions.
74. Known for Creativity in Chess
He often surprised opponents with unconventional moves.
75. Advocated Balance Between Attack and Defense
He stressed the importance of both facets of chess play.
76. Inspired By Poker Strategy
His interest in poker influenced his risk-taking and psychology.
77. Famous For Positional Sacrifices
He knew when to sacrifice material for strategic advantage.
78. Developed Theories on Pawn Structure
Lasker’s ideas still guide modern pawn play.
79. Popularized The Concept of “Zugzwang”
He used the idea of forcing opponents to move unfavorably.
80. His Chess Legacy Lives On
Lasker remains a role model for players at all levels.
81. Master of Multi-Phase Chess
Excelled in all phases: opening, middlegame, and endgame.
82. Used Complex Positional Play
His games feature intricate maneuvering and subtlety.
83. Known For Strong Center Control
Lasker emphasized controlling key central squares.
84. Played Many Famous Matches
His career includes battles against Steinitz, Capablanca, and others.
85. His Playing Style Evolved Over Time
He adapted his approach to remain competitive over decades.
86. Advocate of Positional Flexibility
Lasker taught adjusting plans as the position changed.
87. Known For Deep Calculation Skills
He was able to calculate multiple variations far in advance.
88. Early Developer of Modern Chess Concepts
Lasker’s work laid groundwork for future chess evolution.
89. Famous for Innovative Strategy
He often found creative solutions to difficult positions.
90. Mentored Young Talents
He helped guide promising young chess players of his era.
91. Chess as an Intellectual Pursuit
Lasker viewed chess as a form of intellectual art.
92. First to Win Major World Championships Using Positional Play
He combined tactics with strategic mastery to dominate opponents.
93. Early Proponent of Study and Preparation
He emphasized preparation but with practical limits.
94. Known for Calmness Under Pressure
Lasker rarely showed nerves even in intense situations.
95. Emphasized Importance of Endurance
He believed stamina was key in tournament success.
96. Advocated Balanced Risk Taking
Lasker knew when to play safe and when to take risks.
97. Mastered Both Tactical and Strategic Play
He combined both elements to outplay opponents.
98. Lasker’s Influence on Chess Literature
His books are still widely read and studied.
99. Known For Creative and Unexpected Moves
Lasker surprised many with novel chess ideas.
100. Enduring Chess Legacy
He remains a legend, inspiring players worldwide even today.
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