Cheap Trick
A cheap trick is an unsound tactical trap or swindle that succeeds only when the opponent overlooks an obvious threat, typically from a lost or inferior position.
Cheap trick refers to a simple tactical trap or swindle that succeeds only when the opponent overlooks an obvious threat. It is typically played from a lost or clearly inferior position, where the aim is to provoke one careless reply rather than to improve the position through sound means.
The defining feature of a cheap trick is its lack of soundness. If the opponent notices the idea and replies correctly, the move usually fails and often worsens the position. Its only practical value lies in the possibility that the opponent misses the threat because of time pressure, fatigue, or overconfidence.
Typical characteristics
- The threat is shallow, usually one or two moves deep, and can be spotted with ordinary care.
- It commonly rests on basic motifs such as a back-rank mate, an unprotected piece, or a simple fork.
- The move often looks irrelevant to the main struggle, which raises the chance it will be overlooked.
Practical examples
A player facing a lost endgame might suddenly give a check that also attacks an undefended piece on the side of the board. If the opponent automatically recaptures or ignores the check, the game is salvaged. Correct defence simply captures the checking piece or moves out of check while protecting the loose unit, after which the original disadvantage remains.
In the middlegame, a player whose position is collapsing may offer a pawn that appears to open an attack. The move actually allows an immediate discovered attack or a knight fork once the pawn is taken. The opponent who accepts without checking the follow-up loses material and hands over the initiative.
How to avoid falling for them
Before making any obvious recapture or “natural” reply, pause to examine one-move and two-move threats. Look specifically for loose pieces, back-rank weaknesses, and possible forks. This single habit eliminates most cheap tricks.
Key takeaways
- A cheap trick is an unsound tactical trap that works only if the opponent misses an obvious threat.
- It is normally played from a lost or inferior position where normal play would lose.
- The idea is shallow, usually one or two moves deep, and rests on basic motifs such as forks or back-rank mates.
- If the opponent notices the threat, the trick collapses and may even speed up defeat.
- Its only practical value lies in provoking a careless reply under time pressure or fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a cheap trick in chess?
- A cheap trick is an unsound tactical trap that succeeds only when the opponent overlooks an obvious threat, usually from a lost position.
- When should a player consider using a cheap trick?
- A player should consider it only in clearly inferior positions where normal play would lose, as a last attempt to provoke a careless reply under time pressure or fatigue.
- How can you spot and avoid cheap tricks from an opponent?
- Always check for simple one- or two-move threats such as forks, back-rank mates, or attacks on loose pieces before making an automatic recapture or obvious reply.
- What happens if the opponent sees through a cheap trick?
- The trick collapses, the position remains lost or becomes even worse, and the game often ends more quickly.
- Are cheap tricks the same as swindles?
- No, a cheap trick is a shallow, unsound one- or two-move trap, while a swindle may involve deeper strategic deception that can succeed even against accurate defense.
About the reviewer
Ben's been in love with chess since he was seven years old, when his grandfather taught him the Sicilian Defense on a well-worn board that had traveled through three generations of family game nights.