Chess in 40 SecondsBeat the Stafford Gambit
White to move. Develop a bishop and get ready to castle.
Snort's pieces are aiming at f2. Develop a bishop so you can castle.
Hint
Get ready to castle before anything else.
Answer
Be2 — Correct! Be2, castle next, and Black's tricks are over.
The tempting mistake
Bishop to g5 is the trap: his knight takes e4, and if you grab his queen, your king gets mated.
The idea
Against an early attack, develop and castle first. Chasing pieces can wait.
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.