Greatest Ever Chess Tricks and Traps

There are hundreds of trick/trap books in chess, including both instructional (like this) and puzzle/problem based. The problem with a LOT of them is that they are clearly fabricated-- IOW you couldn't possibly get into that configuration! Granted, back rank mates, forks, smothered are convincingly demonstrated with these fabrications, but though fun, they aren't as satisfying if you want to go deeper.This is just the opposite-- the trap is amply illustrated not only with the line leading up to it, but also example games taken from even high level players and famous games, some old and classic, others from the 1970s and 80s (which the author considers old, ouch). As a serious club player it warms my heart to see that these lines aren't reserved for beginners-- top level players can fall for these, especially if you act dumb and they think YOU have missed that capture!To be honest and fair, I LOVE puzzle books (resign in three, mate in 4, etc.) and you CAN use this book like that (just look at the baited trap and try to reverse engineer the position and figure out the trap). BUT after that fun, you can then study both the lines leading up to it, the opening involved (yes this is an opening book), and even the whole game upon which it was based.Highly recommended from multiple viewpoints, as it will both make you a more aware player and provide a lot of fun while solving and/or playing through.

A few of these traps are pretty well-known, and you're likely to get screwed if you roll them out against rated players, but they're worth reviewing, if for no other reason than to watch out for them yourself. The text is a bit minimal, and the pace is rapid-fire, but overall it's pretty well laid out. I wish he had spent a bit more time with many of these traps to explain how to extricate yourself if the opponent doesn't fall for them.

I enjoyed it because as an improving player, I want to know what openings works and what tricks are available.A big plus is that if the trick or trap is seen by the opponent then alternatives are given for a competitive position. There are a few refutations of odd lines which is great because I know people rated up to 1750 who play bizarre lines but I never know what to do. I do now! I used to play only the Colle and Mr Lane even manages to present a tricky line in that to catch out the careless player. All the traps seem to occur before ten moves have been played making it much more likely to happen when playing. A guide to winning chess in the opening.

Higher ranked guy didn't know what hit him. Check mate!

It does impart some useful advice but it is a poor substitute for playing against a stronger player who set the traps for you. It is by far the best way to learn

Thank you.

Le titre aurait pu être Opening traps/Pièges d'ouvertures car 200 pages ne traitent que de cela. Les 30 dernières pages du livre ne montrent que des schémas de milieu de partie avec des réseaux de mat et des combinaisons typiques.Ce que Gary Lane aurait pu mettre dans son livre, ce sont des vrais pièges comme celui de la partie Fox-Bauer de 1901 où les Blancs jouèrent 17.Cdc4!! Le piège, ici, est remarquable. En conclusion, le titre The greatest ever chess tricks and traps est très surévalué.

Bought for my nephew (12 year old), who was delighted - youngsters love traps! But his father, grandfather and myself have all been reading the book.