Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Mortimer Trap

The trap, named after James Mortimer, begins with Black playing the Berlin Defense to the Ruy Lopez.  It is a true trap in the sense that Black deliberately plays an inferior move hoping to trick White into making a mistake.  (Source:  Wikipedia)

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, Nf6
4. d3, Ne7

Black intends to reroute the Knight to g6.  It is an inferior move, but it lays a trap.

5. Nxe5?, c6!

Black threatens 6....Qa5 winning at least 1 piece.

6. Nc4 ....

This is White's best reply, as it covers a5, and threatens 7. Nd6 mate.

6. .... d6!
7. Ba4, b5

Black forks the White Bishop and Knight, winning a piece for two pawns.

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