Paris · 17501–0·A seven-move miniature and a famous trap
Légal's Mate
Sire de Légal vs Saint Brie
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.
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 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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