Chess in 40 SecondsAll traps

Beat the Englund Gambit

Defense · Beginner · chessin40seconds.com/d5

White to move. Guard the rook with a new piece.

Snort's queen took b2 and attacks your rook. Protect it — without falling for his trap.

Solve it on the boardWatch the 40-second video
Hint

Your queen on d1 could protect a1 — if a piece gets out of the way.

Answer

Nc3 — Safe! Now the queen on d1 guards a1, and Black's queen is in danger.

The tempting mistake

Bishop to c3 is the trap: his bishop goes to b4, and mate comes soon.

The idea

Before defending with the obvious piece, check what your opponent gets in return.

This defense is one of 30 quick puzzles in the Chess in 40 Seconds trainer: find the move on the board, get a hint if you're stuck, and learn the idea so you never fall for it in your own games.

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