The seductive Queen

My first thought was to share this as a puzzle, but I decided to make it a piece instead, warning you about this trap I know of. A trap one would do well to watch out for. A trap used by some cruel Masters to humiliate lesser players.

This game is attributed by many to a de Legal from the 1700s. He is said to be Philidor’s teacher and a great master, though not many games of him are available for us to study. Several recent instances of this combination are also available. The first four moves in this game are so common that they are played hundreds of times around the world… every day.

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Bg4 4.Nc3 g6

Contemplate White’s next move in this case before reading further.

Legen… wait for it…

Yes? You see it? The incredible 5.Nxe5.

Black would do well to forget the Queen and shout ‘Retreat’! That would minimize damages and keep the game going. No? You desperately want to remove the Queen, yes? Okay, let’s see what can happen in that scenario.

5. … Bxd1. Happy.

Before Black has enough time to celebrate the fall of White’s Queen to such a simple move, White would go with 6.Bxf7+

What’s a check against a Queen, black might ask. The King would go to e7. Like a Boss… (Black’s only move, actually). White can laugh, crack jokes, drink coffee for whatever time he has left on his clock, come back and win with 7.Nd5#

…dary. Legendary.

Simple. Yet awesome, yes? This combo doesn’t have a name by itself, so I might just call it the Seductive Queen and get away with it. Go for the Queen and the game is over. Never trust her.

All moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Bg4 4.Nc3 g6 5.Nxe5 Bxd1 6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Nd5# 1-0