Lasker Simul Special Intermezzo in Chess
“Lasker Simul Special Intermezzo” is an intermezzo motif inside the Lasker Simul Special structure: instead of immediately answering a threat or recapturing, you insert a forcing move first. The defining feature is that the intermezzo move creates a new, urgent threat (often with tempo) while the opponent’s original issue is temporarily left unresolved.
To spot it, look for positions where your opponent’s last move creates a “must respond” moment for you, but you also have a forcing move that checks, attacks a key piece, or wins material with tempo. Use the intermezzo by playing that forcing move first, then returning to the original obligation once the opponent has reacted to the interruption—often turning a defensive sequence into an advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions: lasker simul special intermezzo
- What makes an intermezzo different from a normal move order in Lasker Simul Special?
- In an intermezzo, you intentionally delay the obvious response to play a forcing move first. The key is that the forcing intermezzo changes the situation immediately, so the “original” problem can be handled after the opponent reacts.
- How can I recognize the right moment to play the Lasker Simul Special intermezzo?
- Look for positions where you feel compelled to respond to a threat or recapture, but you also have a forcing candidate (often a check or a direct attack) that gains tempo. If that forcing move is strong enough to make the opponent’s response urgent, it’s usually the correct intermezzo window.
- What are common tactical outcomes after the intermezzo?
- Typical outcomes include winning a tempo, forcing concessions, or improving your piece placement before dealing with the original threat. In many cases, the opponent’s resources are tied up responding to the intermezzo, allowing you to regain the initiative.
- Should I always choose the most forcing move as the intermezzo?
- Not always. The intermezzo must be forcing and relevant to the position—if it doesn’t create a real threat or tempo advantage, delaying the original obligation can backfire. The best intermezzo is the one that makes the opponent’s next move clearly worse than if you had responded immediately.