Opening Traps
Openings
Deutz Gambit: Key Moves and Lines of This Aggressive Italian Game Opening
The Deutz Gambit—pronounced “Doy-ts”—is one of the boldest and most forcing ideas White can play in the Italian Game, specifically...
Openings
How Eric Rosen Used the Stafford Gambit to Beat a Grandmaster in 14 Moves
On December 30, 2024, in Round 12 of the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship held online on Chess.com, International Master...
Openings
Stafford Gambit Explained: Key Ideas, Traps, and How to Play It Effectively
The Stafford Gambit has become one of the most talked-about opening weapons in modern online chess. Fueled by YouTube speedruns,...
Openings
Scholar’s Mate: The Best Opening for Beginners, Approved by Magnus Carlsen
In chess, most games last dozens of moves. But sometimes, if your opponent isn’t careful, you can win in just...
Openings
Muzio Gambit: The Most Dangerous Gambit in Chess (Full Guide)
Among the major opening lines in chess, few are as daring, or downright outrageous, as the Muzio Gambit and especially...
Openings
Who Still Uses the King’s Gambit?
The King’s Gambit: daring, romantic, and mostly… extinct? Not quite. While it’s no longer a staple in elite chess circles,...
Magnus Carlsen
How Magnus Carlsen Fell for the Englund Gambit
Magnus Carlsen once fell for a basic trap in the dubious Englund Gambit. He was 8½. Here’s how the world...
Openings
Haxo Gambit: The Scotch Trap That Devours the Unprepared
If you enjoy tactical chaos, early fireworks, and forcing your opponent to dance awkwardly around the board: say hello to...
Openings
9 Easy Traps in Mikenas Defense
The Mikenas Defense begins with the rare and flexible 1.d4 Nc6. While it may seem offbeat, this sideline contains hidden...
Openings
How to Defend Against Gambits in Chess
Discover essential methods to refute gambits in chess: accept or decline them wisely, master Morra and Najdorf Poisoned Pawn defenses, and...
