This guide is all about the Kieninger trap, which is a trap found in the Budapest Gambit opening, also known as the Budapest Defense. It’s also one of the main reasons the Budapest gambit is played at all. If someone plays the Budapest, they are likely going for this trap.
The Budapest Defense is a Chess opening that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5. Nearly all of the lines are played with the White pieces, making this one of the more rare Chess gambit lines for Black. Like many gambits, it is rarely played at Grandmaster level, but for the amateur it’s a powerful and fun way to immediately attack White’s centre and win the game with one of the most beautiful checkmate patterns you’ll see.
Example
Go through the game below to see the Kieninger trap in action. Some of the most important variations of the Budapest gambit are shown as well.
In most games where this line is played, the sacrificed (gambit) pawn will be given back because the alternatives are giving Black a big advantage in the development of his pieces.
Did you like this article on the Kieninger trap? If you did, you might also be interested in learning more Chess Traps like the Mortimer Trap and the Elephant Trap.