Légal’s Mate

White to play2 moves of yours

Move 1 of 2
About this position

It is one of the oldest known . It is named after Légal, a French player of the 18th century. His best-known game was a win in Paris against an opponent called Saint Brie, usually dated 1750, though that date is doubtful. The idea is bold: White lets the queen be taken and, in return, throws the minor pieces at the black king, which is still in the centre. If Black grabs the queen without looking, the game is over at once. It comes up in open games, while the black king has not castled yet and the white minor pieces are already out. What to remember, above all with Black: before you take a big piece, ask yourself why your opponent is letting you have it.