Falling for Opening Traps

When I first started playing chess, I saw a need for me to memorize some openings so that I could at least survive to a fairly even middle game and maybe even a better one. However, after 30 years of complete absence from playing chess, I came back with just a vague recollection of the openings that I had played in my younger days. Therefore I started back playing again on RHP in hopes of reclaiming some of my former knowledge before returning to USCF rated OTB chess.

One is not likely to attempt an unsound opening trap on RHP because we know our opponent has plenty of time to look up the opening moves to see what the proper moves should be. However, since I have retuned to OTB play at a chess club, I have been caught in several opening traps. The following is the latest one that I got caught in after my opponent had heard that I was a sucker for opening traps. It is also an example of when bringing the queen out early is the right move.

😴

😴

There is no way on God's Earth or any other that someone of your rating can fall for a trap this simple

Originally posted by RJHinds
When I first started playing chess, I saw a need for me to memorize some openings so that I could at least survive to a fairly even middle game and maybe even a better one. However, after 30 years of complete absence from playing chess, I came back with just a vague recollection of the openings that I had played in my younger days. Therefore I started back ...[text shortened]... ion that ends with a quick checkmate.} 5. Nxf7 Qxg2 6. Rf1 Qxe4 7. Be2 Nf3 {Checkmate}
[/pgn]

I'd love to join in on the 😴 but it's chess.

I recall about 3 years ago just me one lad on the blitz site.
He kept playing 3...Nd4 and I won with a mixture of 4.Nxd4 4.c3.4.Bxf7+!?

After one game I said I won't fall for 4.Nxe4. He said he was giving it up
He had never caught anyone with it.

"Why did you not say? Go for it again, I'll fall into the mainline and get mated."

He did and I was. He was over the moon in thanking me ......then left me all alone in the blitz room!! 🙁

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That trap is so old you will find it carved in latin on Hadrian's Wall.

If I got it OTB or even on here I think i would give 4.Nxe4 a shot.

Originally posted by greenpawn34
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nd4 4. Nxe5 Qg5 5. O-O Qxe5 6. c3 {That looks like it has the makings of a very interesting fun game. Especially with Black thinking that he has bagged another victim when he sees 4.Nxe4.}

Originally posted by morgski
There is no way on God's Earth or any other that someone of your rating can fall for a trap this simple

Even i know that trap, and I suck at chess.

Originally posted by SmittyTime
Even i know that trap, and I suck at chess.

Originally posted by greenpawn34
I'd love to join in on the 😴 but it's chess.

I recall about 3 years ago just me one lad on the blitz site.
He kept playing 3...Nd4 and I won with a mixture of 4.Nxd4 4.c3.4.Bxf7+!?

After one game I said I won't fall for 4.Nxe4. He said he was giving it up
He had never caught anyone with it.

"Why did you not say? Go for it again, I'll fall int ...[text shortened]... ecially with Black thinking that he has bagged another victim when he sees 4.Nxe4.}[/pgn]

Originally posted by RJHinds
Well, hopefully no one else will get caught in it, but I doubt it, because as they say -- there is a sucker born every second.

Originally posted by thaughbaer
It's every "minute" not "second". Can't you get anything right ?