Traps only work against low level players. Sometimes your opponent will mess up and walk into something, but you shouldn't set a trap just hoping they'll mess up. Always assume that your opponent will see the trap and find the best possible response. If you can't live with the position after the best response, then don't try for the trap.
--Fromper
I must agree with Fromper. Playing just for traps is called "Hope chess", and that is surely not the way to play real chess. I always try to play the best moves in the position rather than play a slightly inferior move which allows my opponent to go terribly wrong and hope that is what they do.
I understand that you cant rely on traps, but there are many sound opening systems that have traps for the unwary. One example is a trap that I myself have fallen for in the French defence.
Even if black avoids the trap, white has a totally acceptable position to play for a win.
I think this shows that it is possible to play for good traps, without compromising your position.
On the subject of "cheapo's", the "O my God" trap is one of my favourite. It gets it's name from the fact that the black player must make a comment along the lines of that to get the opponent to fall for it. I definately dont recommend trying it, but it's all the same it's good to know.
Twoo reasons to learn traps:
1. to avoid getting caught in one.
2. The threat of a trap, assuming your opponent is sophisticated enough to recognize it, often can be used for positional advantage, to gain a tempo, or limit your opponent's options.
That's not exactly true. Although the trap I posted only works on low level players, there are many traps which expert levels employ with success as well. The reason grandmasters rarely fall for traps is because they study them, so that way they can play lines in which they can avoid being trapped, or having to lose a tempo or position (as batgirl said).
Just use solid opening principles in the opening...and you'll be okay most of the time. Also, often times it is better to not grab a pawn early on in the game, as shown above. Pawns can easily be taken away in the endgame.
Actually, I recently tried that queen trap on 3 players, all of whome were 1400+, and it worked on 2 of them. I think they are quite useful.
bump
Many chess players have used traps to quickly win a game. The one with petrof's defense posted on the bottom thread was very useful to me. Though they should be used with caution, does anyone know any good chess traps?