In exchange for the sacrificed pawn, Black has a central wedge at d4 and gets some chances for an attack.

Often White will try to return the pawn at an opportune moment to gain a positional advantage.

Though it is not played frequently at the master level, Russian grandmaster Alexander Morozevich made some successful use of it in the 2000s.

[2] The main line continues 4.Nf3 Nc6 (4...c5 allows 5.e3 because Black no longer has the bishop check) and now White's primary options are 5.a3, 5.Nbd2, and 5.g3.

The Lasker Trap is notable because it features a rare instance of an underpromotion in practical play.