Ruy Lopez, Tarrasch Trap

Tarrasch Trap refers to two different chess opening trap in the Ruy Lopez that are named for Siegbert Tarrasch.Unlike many variations that appear only in analysis, Tarrasch actually sprung his traps against masters in tournament games.

Tarrasch Trap in the Open Variation

Two masters actually fell for this trap against Tarrasch: Zukertort at Frankfurt in 1887 and Gunsberg at Manchester in 1890.

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 a6

4. Ba4 Nf6

5. O-O Nxe4

This is the Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez.

6. d4 b5

7. Bb3 d5

8. dxe5 Be6

9. c3 Be7

10. Re1 O-O

11. Nd4 Qd7?

Falling into the trap (see diagram).

12. Nxe6

Black's pawn on d5 will be pinned (along the d-file or along the b2-g8 diagonal) no matter how he recaptures.After 12...Qxe6 or 12...fxe6 White wins a piece with 13.Rxe4. If Black plays 13...dxe4, he loses his Queen in either scenario.

Tarrasch Trap in the Steinitz Variation

The second Tarrasch Trap occurs in the Steinitz Variation.Tarrasch published analysis of this trap in 1891, but 18 months later Marco fell into it in Tarrasch–Marco Dresden 1892. Tarrasch spent just 5 minutes of thinking for the whole game.

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 d6

This is the Steinitz Variation of the Ruy Lopez.

4. d4 Bd7

Black breaks the pin to meet the threat of 5.d5.

5. Nc3 Nf6

6. O-O Be7

7. Re1

Laying a subtle trap (see diagram).Castling seems natural for Black, but instead 7...exd4 is better.

7. ... O-O?

8. Bxc6 Bxc6

9. dxe5 dxe5

10. Qxd8 Raxd8

11. Nxe5

Black's best move...
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