Chess opening traps

Chess Opening Traps

I have received a number of requests to analyze some chess opening traps. Here is the first one in this series.

This is a very famous classic game that was played in the early 17th century in Italy. Greco, who played White in this game, is also known for being the author of one of the earliest chess books. This book contains many traps and checkmating patterns. He was one of the best players of his time. The name of his opponent in this game is unknown.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 In this position, White is at a crossroad. What to choose from various well playable options?

3.Bc4 This is the Italian game. Other commonly tried options are 3.Bb5, known as the Ruy Lopez; 3.d4, known as the Scotch; or 3. Nc3, which leads to the Four Knights opening.

3…Bc5 The other alternative is 3…Nf6. The advantage of developing the Bishop first is to prevent the 3…Nf6 4.Ng5 early aggression from White’s.

4.c3 This is the most ambitious approach to try to quickly play d2-d4. Of course the more solid 4.0–0 is not bad either.

4…Nf6 Black continues developing and at the same time attacks White’s e4 Pawn.

5.d4 White decided to ignore the attack on the e4 Pawn, and counter attack Black’s Bishop on c5. 5.d3 instead simply to protect the Pawn is more solid.

5…exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ This is a very important check which prevents White from castling at least for now.

7.Nc3 This move blocks the check but sacrifices a Pawn. Black would have no difficulties equalizing after 7.Bd2 Bxd2+ 8.Nbxd2 and 8…d5.

7…Nxe4 Due to the pin over the Knight on c3, this is a free Pawn. Or is it? Well, not quite. White gets compensation and initiative.

8.0–0 Bxc3 9.d5 This is a very fine move which leads to tremendous complications. If White recaptures instead with 9.bxc3, Black would maintain the extra Pawn with a clearly superior position after 9…d5.

9…Ne5 According to today’s standing of opening theory this is an inaccurate move. Better was to retreat the Bishop with 9…Bf6.

10.bxc3 Nxc4 At the moment Black is a Knight and a Pawn up. However, White has plans. If 10…Nxc3 Black would end up losing at least one of the Knights after 11.Qe1.

11.Qd4 This is a strong move to attack both Black Knights and not less importantly also the g7 Pawn.

11…Ncd6 Black is trying to hang on to his extra piece. However, as we shall see, the price will be costly. It was better to castle and give up one of the Knights. It is more important to make sure that the King gets to safety.

12.Qxg7 Qf6 This move seems to solve all of Black’s problems as first. White has to either exchange its strongest attacking piece, the Queen, or to retreat (to g4). However, we will soon see Black’s problems. A better defense was 12…Rf8, although White would have had a strong position in that case also after 13.Re1.

13.Qxf6 This is amazing! In spite of the Queens exchange, White has a winning attack!

13…Nxf6 14.Re1+ Of course White needs to proceed very energetically, and with forceful moves.

14…Kd8 If Black’s King runs the other way with 14…Kf8, White will continue with 15.Bh6+ Kg8 and 16.Re5 threatening with immediate checkmate by Rg5. Now if 16…Nde4 White checkmate in three after 17.Nd2 d6 18.Nxe4 dxe5 19.Nxf6. 16…Nfe4 is a better defense, but White’s attack prevails after 17.Nh4 f6 18.Re7 anyway.

15.Bg5 Now the Knight on f6 is not only attacked, but is also pinned at the same time.

15…Nde8 After 15…Ne4 White could simply capture the Knight on e4 for free, due to the existing pin. Again it looks like, Black has protected everything and is off the hook…And now comes, the final blow…

16.Rxe8+ Another brilliant combination!

16…Kxe8 If Black plays 16…Rxe8 instead, White wins easily after 17.Bxf6+ Re7 18.Re1.

17.Re1+ Kf8 If 17…Kd8 18.Bxf6 checkmates right away.

18.Bh6+ This is much better than just capturing the Knight.

18…Kg8 Even though Black is up a full Rook, it is practically time to resign!

19.Re5 Black can only prevent the checkmate threat on g5 by allowing it on e8. Therefore, Black resigned.