There are several good reasons why studying traps might be considered important. First, of course, to avoid becoming a victim of one. Second is to recognize the opportunity of gaining a quick victory. But the third reason is the best one, I believe: since traps, by their very nature, are not at all obvious and take advantage of poor play (particularly, though not exclusively, in the openings), understanding how traps work reveal to us certain secret tactical truths in postions that we may never have learned on our own.
The last reason is as obvious as the first: they are fun!
For this posting I've selected traps for white in the French Defense
2nd to last one on this page, the trap is not a trap. It only looks like it. Bb4+ saves the day.
Even if it did work, it's only two peices for a rook, hardly a win.
'Win a Bishop' is actually just a misnomer.
What does it mean 'Win a Bishop' on the last game? Was this a problem composition category?
Ouch! Yes there are many traps regarding the French Defense. Too bad nobody falls for them anymore.
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Sarah Beth NC, U.S.A.
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