Noah's Ark Trap

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

The Noah's Ark Trap is a chess opening trap in the Ruy Lopez. The name is actually used to describe a family of traps in the Ruy Lopez in which a white bishop is trapped on the b3-square by black pawns.

The origin of the name is uncertain. The shape of the black pawns on a6, b5, and c4 may resemble an ark, or the name may suggest that the trap is "old as Noah's Ark".

Here's an example of the trap from a tournament game:

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 a6

4. Ba4 d6

5. d4(?)

Better moves for White are 5.c3, 5.Bxc6+, and 5.0-0.

5. ... b5

6. Bb3 Nxd4

7. Nxd4 exd4

8. Qxd4??

Alexander Alekhine recommended this move in the tournament book for New York 1924 as a means for White to draw, but it is a mistake that loses material. Endre Steiner fell into this trap against José Capablanca at the Budapest tournament in 1929. White should instead play 8.Bd5 or try a gambit with 8.c3.

8. ... c5

9. Qd5 Be6

10. Qc6+ Bd7

11. Qd5 c4

(See diagram.) Black traps White's bishop.

[edit] References

• Hooper, David and Kenneth Whyld (1996). The Oxford Companion To Chess. Oxford University. ISBN 0-19-280049-3. 
• Steiner-Capablanca, Budapest 1929 at chessgames.com