Blackburne and the Stalemate Trap

Here is a musing anecdote by Blackburne.

Position after 37...Qd2, notes by Blackburne

"Very finely played. If White Queens the Pawn Black replies Qc1+ and then Qf4+, drawing by perpetual check or stalemate. It is a remarkable position, and I very well remember the crowd that gathered round to see if I would fall into Winawer's little trap. 

I kept them on the tiptoe of expectation by holding my hand above the Pawn for some time as I meant to move it, but when with the swing of the arm I suddenly took the Knight instead, there was a loud burst of laughter, in which Winawer, to do him justice, heartily joined."

interesting position, thanks for sharing.

It's a drawing trap. 

After 1.b1=Q Black plays 1...Qc1+! White can't capture because it leads to stalemate. Note that the knight is pinned. 

So White must play 2.Kh2. Unfortunately for White Black can play 2...Qf4+! and again White can't capture the queen due to stalemate. 

So after 3.K somewhere and ...Qc1+ it's just a draw by repitition. 

So Blackburne traded off the knight first to prevent this.

Very interesting lesson that everyone should remember. It may happens to us sometimes and we feel pity to ourselves if we have forgotten the idea and fall into the trap.