101 Chess Opening Traps: A collection of deadly traps new and old to catch opponents of all standards (B5)

“His collection of old and new traps is based on solid, good and useful moves” – GM Lubosh Kavalek, Washington Post

This collection of superb opening traps is essential reading for any chess player.

The only thing more humiliating than losing a game quickly is to lose a game quickly to a known opening trap. On the other hand, the easy point scored by the trapper is a great confidence booster, and allows the winner a good rest before the next game in a competition.

As the traps in this book show, no one should feel safe from an opponent armed to the teeth with cunning traps – in these pages we regularly see masters losing in a handful of moves.

Steve Giddins has collected these traps from a wide variety of sources, and has focused his attention on risk-free traps – those that can be laid ´incidentally´ by moves that are good and useful even if the opponent avoids the trap.
All major openings covered
Focuses on traps that club players are most likely to fall for
Provides excellent training in tactics
Shows opening principles in – frequently brutal – action

Steve Giddins is a FIDE Master from England who plays regularly in international events. As a fluent Russian speaker who has recently been based in Moscow, he has access to sources not normally available in the West. He contributes frequently to the British Chess Magazine.

“An excellent training manual, with the emphasis on tactical play. Smash your opponent in the first few moves” – Bernard Hannison, Chess Post

“covers pitfalls in all major openings, linked together by a stimulating narrative” – Peter Gibbs, Birmingham Post

“The tricks included here are of the kind that you could well get the chance to spring in practical play.” – Chess

“Easily the best traps book I have seen” – Bob Long, The Chess Gazette