Blackburn Schilling trap

Typically the Nd4 move repulses me but I thought I'd try it just to see if I could trick someone.  My opponent fell for it hook, line, and sinker!

This type of smothered mate in the opening occurs in other openings as well, it is very interesting. 

Let me quote from the Oxford Companion to Chess : Blackburne Shilling Gambit : a fruitful source of income for Manchester(England)-born Joseph Henry Blackburne (1841-1924) when playing café visitors, the usual stake being one shilling.   Black's third move may not be good enough for master chess but it is not an outright error and cannot be refuted by violence.   A quiet continuation such as 4. 0-0 maintains white's lead in dvelopment.

Chess traps have always attracted the attention of chess fans. Not only they can get you quick wins but show fascinating chess ideas that catches the appreciation of spectators as well. The traps are thoroughly analysed which means you are not likely to commit a mistake when making that life sucking sacrifice.

But the problem with chess traps is that they require opponent to make some silly move which they are highly unlikely to make in a game. Blackburne Shilling Trap is one of my favourite traps because here the opponent is making his usual moves. A slight shift from the order of moves and he finds himself right in the middle of the trap which ends up with White falling to his knees.

So here is the trap.

Traps are a real fun way to win games quickly and they especially come in handy in blitz and online games. But do keep in mind, the variations that come with the trap in case the opponent does not go along the way like you imagined!

Here is a playlist of chess traps along with all the variations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zs3dZp1hF186GtOaN5lfCChId0BIJOE

Here is a playlist that features chess traps in Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXVWH6U2qR_EwoSUKVfHWQwJbjq4e8J4m

It is a brilliant old  idea which if had more teeth would be played more often. I'm sure.

Other moves such as 4.Nxd4 or 4. c3 also maintain the advantage with minimal risk.

This can also be activated in two knights defense here is how it works

Nice! two knight version is cool

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

better

why does white need to play Rf1, since Qxh1 is not checkmate, as white can play Bf1...? or is there a mate soon after...?

Hmmm, that isn’t most accurate since it is not essential for white to capture the pawn during Italian game, white would most likely to castle, making black’s development delay, bringing white a free 1.4 advantage without winning material.

So,…. This opening may not be the best trap. I would consider evan’s gambit or double muzio gambit more.

What to do if white DOES NOT play 6. Rf1 and instead plays 6. Nxh8: