What is the Blackburne Schilling Trap
The trap occurs in the following position, with Black to move: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 Qb6. At this point, Black may be tempted to play 7…Nxd4, winning a pawn. However, this move falls into the trap set by Blackburne. White can then play 8.Bxf7+ Kxf7 9.Nd5, attacking the black queen and gaining a decisive advantage.
Named after Joseph Henry Blackburne
The Blackburne Shilling Trap is a chess tactic named after the British chess player Joseph Henry Blackburne, who was known for using this trap to defeat many of his opponents in the late 19th century. The trap is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, which is a common opening for Black in chess.
Blackburne himself was known for his aggressive style of play and was considered one of the strongest chess players of his time. He was a regular competitor in major chess tournaments and was considered a leading player in the late 19th century.
Common response to the Sicilian Defense
The trap is particularly effective because it is a common response to the Sicilian Defense, and many players may not be aware of the potential pitfalls. However, experienced players are aware of the trap and will avoid it.
The trap is not very common in grandmaster chess today as the knowledge of the trap and its refutation is widespread. But it is still seen in amateur and club level chess. And it is also used as a teaching tool to explain basic chess principles such as the value of pieces and the importance of attacking the enemy king.
To avoid falling into the Blackburne Shilling Trap, players should be familiar with the Sicilian Defense and the potential traps that can occur in this opening. They should also be aware of the relative value of the pieces and the importance of protecting the king. By being aware of these principles and understanding the traps that can occur in the Sicilian Defense, players can improve their chess skills and avoid falling into the trap set by Blackburne.