Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Scandinavian Sinking
Dear readers, you already know the difference between absolute and relative pins.
The Legal Trap is one example of a relative pin and its pattern is a recurrent motif in openings where one of White’s bishops points to f7 (For Black, when one bishop points to f2)
The Legal Trap is known after a game played between the Frech players François de Legal and Saint Brie, around 1750. The motif in that game appeared after the first moves of the Italian Opening.
Nevertheless, the same pattern could appear with other move sequences. For example, in a previous post, the great Russian player Mikhail Chigorin fell into a similar trap. That game began as the Ruy Lopez.
In today’s example, you will see a similar setup but beginning as the Scandinavian Defence.
It’s worth being familiar with this pattern because many club players are eager to pin the opponent’s pieces. In fact, the pin is the easiest and most understandable tactical resource.
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Besides that, in a recent overseas match, 9 members of Nairobi Chess Club had the privilege of playing against the Spanish Chess Club of Granollers. Unfortunately, the Spaniards were stronger and beat us with a score of 11-7.
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