Mortimer Trap

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

The Mortimer Trap is a chess opening trap in the Ruy Lopez named after James Mortimer. The Mortimer Trap is a true trap in the sense that Black deliberately plays an inferior move hoping to trick White into making a mistake.

The trap begins with the moves

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 Nf6

Black plays the Berlin Defense to the Ruy Lopez.

4. d3

This is an unusual response for White to the Berlin Defense, but it isn't a bad move.

4. ... Ne7

The Mortimer Defense. This rare move isn't objectively the best for Black, but it sets a trap. White has many acceptable replies, but the tempting capture of the black pawn on e5 is a mistake.

5. Nxe5? c6!

(See diagram.) Attacking the white bishop and threatening 6...Qa5+. If the bishop moves (6.Ba4 or 6.Bc4), Black wins a piece with the fork 6...Qa5+.

6. Nc4

White's best move, it covers a5 preventing 6...Qa5+ and threatens smothered mate with 7.Nd6#.

6. ... d6

7. Ba4 b5

Black forks the white bishop and knight winning a piece.

[edit] References

• Hooper, David and Kenneth Whyld (1996). The Oxford Companion To Chess. Oxford University. ISBN 0-19-280049-3.