Theoria
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Ruy Lopez

Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Mortimer Trap

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5Nf6
  4. 4.d3Ne7
  5. 5.Nxe5c6
244 games33%65%

Trap in the Anti-Berlin Ruy Lopez where 4...Ne7 baits e5; after 5. Nxe5 c6, natural bishop retreats lose the knight to ...Qa5+.

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About the Mortimer Trap

The Mortimer Trap arises after 4...Ne7 5. Nxe5 c6, when the attacked bishop must move. The natural retreats 6. Ba4 and 6. Bc4, chosen in most games, lose the knight to 6...Qa5+ 7. Nc3, since the check also hits e5. 6. Nc4 sets a counter-trap, 6...cxb5?? 7. Nd6#. The best try is 6. Nxf7, gaining a second pawn for the piece. After 6...Kxf7 7. Bc4+ d5 8. Bb3, Black remains clearly better.

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