LASCA, sometimes called Laskers, is a very intriguing and exciting board game invented by the great chess master Emanuel Lasker. At first sight the game resembles draughts (called checkers in the USA); it is played with draughts pieces on a chequered board, and the pieces move like draughtsmen. However, the similarity ends there, and as the game proceeds the soldiers, as they are called, become stacked into columns, sometimes containing the other player’s soldiers as prisoners underneath.

Soldiers are promoted to officers, or are captured, and soon a violent battle rages on the board, with many possibilities for subtle strategies and tactics.

About this Web site

The aim of this Web site to provide more information about this underrated game, and I hope it stimulates more people to try out the game for themselves.

The Web site includes the following pages:

About Lasca A detailed description of the rules, with examples of strategy and tactics.
Annotated game An full game, with annotations explaining the players' moves.
Lasca problems Several Lasca problems for you to test your skill.
Computer Lasca Information about programs for playing Lasca on a computer.
Unsolved questions Some unsolved questions to be solved about Lasca strategy.

Feedback

I would welcome any feedback about this site, or information about Lasca for inclusion. Please email me at:

David Johnson-Davies.