Plain-English Definition
Trapped pieces often result from overextension, poor retreat squares, or pawn moves that take squares away.
Why It Matters
Trapping pieces rewards mobility awareness and patient restriction.
Common Signs in Games
- A queen or bishop has few retreat squares.
- Pawns can attack while gaining space.
- The piece is far from support.
Common Mistakes
- Chasing without calculating escape squares.
- Ignoring a trapped piece because it is not attacked yet.
- Letting your own queen wander too early.