Trapped Piece
A trapped piece is one that has no safe squares to move to and will be captured, often winning significant material.
Common Trapped Pieces
Trapped Queen
The most valuable piece to trap, often caught in enemy territory.
Trapped Bishop
Bishops can be trapped on the edge of the board or behind pawns.
Trapped Knight
Knights on the rim or in corners are particularly vulnerable.
Trapped Rook
Rooks can be trapped behind their own pawns or in corners.
How Pieces Get Trapped
- Overextension: Pieces venture too far into enemy territory
- Pawn Attacks: Pawns cut off escape squares
- Piece Coordination: Multiple pieces work together to trap
- Edge of Board: Limited squares near the edge
Creating Traps
- Identify overextended enemy pieces
- Use pawns to cut off escape squares
- Coordinate pieces to control key squares
- Calculate the trapping sequence
Avoiding Traps
- Keep pieces on safe squares
- Maintain escape routes
- Don't overextend pieces
- Calculate before entering enemy territory
Famous Patterns
Bishop Trapped on a3/h3
After fianchetto, the bishop can be trapped by pawns.
Queen Trapped in Corner
The queen ventures too deep and gets trapped.
Knight on the Rim
Knights on a8, h8, a1, or h1 are often trapped.
Practice Tips
- Look for overextended enemy pieces
- Practice using pawns to trap pieces
- Study trapped piece patterns
- Calculate escape squares
Trapping pieces is a powerful way to win material and games.
Related tactics: removing-the-defender, undermining, decoy