Checkmate or Taking a Queen!




I've actually never been in this sort of situation before, and I've never issued this sort of situation before - in a way. Being the beginner-dolt I was, I was trapped in this situation of putting my queen in harm's way or an immediate checkmate. I ended up putting my queen in harm's way, but for some reason, my opponent didn't take it. Then, I realized I could've put my Knight there, and then snagged 'em, but the trap would probably have been too obvious. Sort of a... accidental trap there, I suppose.
I didn't really think they'd take the queen, 'cause of the danger, but I couldn't help being surprised. I would've sacrificed the Bishop with a bit of thought, but they didn't. They probably spotted the Knight leering at them on the far left. So, yeah.
I have noticed that if given the oppurtunity people would rather take a Queen rather than put someone else in Checkmate!!! I think I know the reason why. It all begins when you can Mate someone but they deliberately put their Queen in harms way in order to distract their opponent. Just think people will figure Ooooh look a Queen and they would take it?! Believe me it worked on me a few times... I was playing my Brother and my Dad intervened since he was in a losing situation and he recommended sacrificing his Queen. Of course I was unaware that it was actually a TRAP!!! The second I took him he Forked me and I lost my oppurtunity to Mate him! In the End, with my greater material, I prevailed. But I was so blinded by the Fact he was giving me a seemingly "FREE" Queen I forgot all about Mating him!!! What's your view on this matter...
ADK