Day 3: Caro-Kann: the smothered mate on d6
This day is not open yet
Finish the previous day first; each new trap opens the day after.
All 7 daysYou play Black. Find a move that does not fall for the trap.
Make your move on the board first — the explanation appears afterwards.
What now?
- Read the short explanation below (about 30 seconds).
- Come back tomorrow for day 4. Tap “Remind me tomorrow” so you don’t forget.
The tempting mistake
5...Ngf6?? is the most natural move in the position, but it allows 6.Nd6#. The knight checks from d6, the e7 pawn cannot take because the queen on e2 pins it to the king, and the king is boxed in by its own pieces.
The safe defence
Keep an eye on d6 and the e-file. 5...Ndf6 develops the other knight: d7 becomes free for the king and the queen now sees d6. 5...Qc7 covers d6 directly.
Day 4 opens tomorrow
Come back tomorrow for the next trap. This link always opens your next day:
Optional. Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per remaining day at 18:00. Nothing is stored on our side and no e-mails are sent.
Source and review
Example game from the trap collection: Alekhine - NN, 1935
Source study (Lichess) · Background reading (Wikipedia) · Full trap page
Automated check on 2026-10-10: the line was replayed move by move and the key moves were checked with Stockfish (depth 18).
Human review: ChessGL team, 2026-10-11.