Only Chess
17 Feb 06
17 Feb 06
1 edit
Don't bother with traps. Playing them puts you at a disadvantage (by definition). If the opponent cannot avoid the tactics (which is what traps are made up of) then it's just solid play, if the opponent can avoid the tactics but doesn't gain an advantage then it's just sharp play. It's only actually a trap if you will be at a disadvantage if your opponent doesn't fall for it.
Therefore playing traps is not the way to play good chess.
17 Feb 06
Originally posted by XanthosNZXanthosNZ, one of the stronger players on this site, is correct when he says you shouldn't play for traps. In giving some of my chess lessons though I've discovered that the traps are beneficial to the student because they open up new concepts that the lower rated player hasn't seen.
Don't bother with traps. Playing them puts you at a disadvantage (by definition). If the opponent cannot avoid the tactics (which is what traps are made up of) then it's just solid play, if the opponent can avoid the tactics but doesn't gain an advantage then it's just sharp play. It's only actually a trap if you will be at a disadvantage if your opponent doesn't fall for it.
Therefore playing traps is not the way to play good chess.
I recommend reading the books to see how and why the traps come about, but not playing for them.
17 Feb 06
Originally posted by arrakiswhich brings us back to H.J.S's question...are there any good resources on chess traps out there?
XanthosNZ, one of the stronger players on this site, is correct when he says you shouldn't play for traps. In giving some of my chess lessons though I've discovered that the traps are beneficial to the student because they open up new concepts that the lower rated player hasn't seen.
I recommend reading the books to see how and why the traps come about, but not playing for them.
17 Feb 06
1 edit
Originally posted by HawaiianhomegrownI never read any but I believe there's a book called, opening traps and zaps.
which brings us back to H.J.S's question...are there any good resources on chess traps out there?
Might have got the titles wrong though.
Set traps only if they do not hurt your position. Of course use your judgement on this. If you have a better move then play it.