Elephant Trap
White takes d5 assuming the f6-knight is pinned to the queen. Black can move it: after Bxd8, Bb4+ forces the queen onto the diagonal and Black emerges a piece ahead. This lesson wins material rather than delivering mate.
Ideas behind the moves
Nxd5
Nxd5 captures the knight even though it appears pinned to the queen. Black has a forcing bishop check if White takes d8.
Bb4+
Bb4+ is the key intermediate check. White must deal with the exposed king before keeping the captured queen.
Bxd2+
Bxd2+ removes White’s queen with check. After the king recaptures, Black can take the bishop on d8.
Kxd8
Kxd8 completes the sequence. The queens are gone and Black is a minor piece ahead.
An example practice line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nxd5 Nxd5 7. Bxd8 Bb4+ 8. Qd2 Bxd2+ 9. Kxd2 Kxd8
This trap depends on a specific opponent mistake. It is not a guaranteed win from the opening.
Common questions
What is Elephant Trap?
White takes d5 assuming the f6-knight is pinned to the queen. Black can move it: after Bxd8, Bb4+ forces the queen onto the diagonal and Black emerges a piece ahead. This lesson wins material rather than delivering mate.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.