Chess traps every beginner should know

Each trap below is explained in plain words, with the moves, the key position and how not to fall for it. Then play it yourself — Pesto the cat sets up the board.

Scholar's Mate1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nc6 3.Qh5 Nf6 Légal's Mate1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Bg4 4.Nc3 g6 The Fishing Pole Trap1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Ng4 5.h3 h5 6.hxg4 hxg4 7.Ne1 The Englund Gambit Trap1.d4 e5 2.dxe5 Nc6 3.Nf3 Qe7 4.Bf4 Qb4+ 5.Bd2 Qxb2 6.Bc3 Bb4 7.Qd2 The Blackburne–Shilling Trap1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nd4 4.Nxe5

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