Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Magnus Smith Trap

B57tacticalaggressive

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3d6
  6. 6.Bc4g6
  7. 7.Nxc6bxc6
  8. 8.e5
317 games68%29%

A Sicilian trap in which 6...g6 against the Sozin bishop on c4 is met by 7. Nxc6 bxc6 8. e5, punishing the natural recapture 8...dxe5.

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About the Magnus Smith Trap

The Magnus Smith Trap arises when Black meets the Sozin move 6. Bc4 with 6...g6, aiming for a Dragon setup. After 7. Nxc6 bxc6 8. e5, the recapture 8...dxe5?? loses the queen to 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Qxd8. Fischer recommended 8...Ng4, now the most common reply, though White keeps a slight edge. The name honors Canadian champion Magnus Smith, but Edward Winter considered it a misnomer.

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