Légal's Mate
Sire de Légal vs Saint Brie · Paris, 1750 · 1–0
Start
The oldest trap worth knowing. Légal offers his queen to deliver a checkmate with three minor pieces — the pattern that still catches unwary players three centuries later. Short, sharp, and unforgettable.
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The oldest trap worth knowing. Légal offers his queen to deliver a checkmate with three minor pieces — the pattern that still catches unwary players three centuries later. Short, sharp, and unforgettable.
The takeaway
Before you win material, make sure you're not being invited to. 'Légal's Mate' works because Black grabbed the queen without checking what came next — always look at your opponent's reply.
Now go make your own.
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