1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nxd5?? 6… Nxd5 7. Bxd8 Bb4+ 8. Qd2 Bxd2+ 9. Kxd2 Kxd8
Classic opening traps · Queen's Gambit Declined
Elephant Trap
The f6 knight looks pinned, so White grabs d5; Black takes back anyway, gives up the queen and wins it back with a bishop check, a piece up.
In September 2026 this trap position came up in 881 games; 42% of the players with White fell for it.
881games reached the trap
42%White falls for it
72%Black punishes it
69%Black wins afterwards
By rating
| Lichess rating | Reached | Fell | Punished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | 16 | – | – |
| 1200–1599 | 146 | 66% | 55% |
| 1600–1999 | 471 | 47% | 78% |
| 2000 and up | 248 | 14% | 97% |