Abstract: The nonstructural oil and gas pools are referred to as subtle trap oil and gas deposits, and as an important part in the oil and gas accumulation in some basins.The present paper gives an overall outline of classification,characteristics and perspectives of subtle trap oil and gas deposits.Particular attention should be drawn to subtle traps in the future,and the emphasis for prospecting and exploration of these subtle traps should be placed upon the integrated studies of stratigraphy,palaeomorphology,palaeogeography,palaeotectonics, palaeontology and palaeoecology.