Opening traps
Chess opening traps to know
10 traps from the openings in our guides, for White and for Black. Step through each one on the board and read why the losing move looks natural, so you can spring it and never fall for it.
White springs it · from the Caro-Kann Defense guide
Avoid 5...Ngf6?? 6.Nd6 mate
After 5.Qe2 the e7-pawn is pinned, so a knight check on d6 cannot be taken.
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Step through the line with the arrows.
Every trap, by opening
Frequently asked questions
Do chess opening traps work against good players?
Rarely on their own. Traps work because one natural-looking move loses; stronger players know the pattern. Their real value is that each trap teaches a weak square or an overloaded piece you will meet again.
Should I play an opening just for its traps?
No. Choose an opening whose normal moves you understand. If the opponent avoids the trap, you should still have a good position, which is why every trap here comes from a sound main line.
How do I avoid falling into opening traps?
Before each move, look at what your opponent's last move attacks and which of your pieces only one piece defends. Most traps punish a greedy capture or a piece left undefended.