A45 Opening - Glossary
A45 Opening
Definition
“A45” is an ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) code that groups together a family of queen-pawn systems beginning with 1. d4 Nf6 where White postpones the customary c2-c4. Instead of the classical Queen’s Gambit or standard Indian Defences, White chooses setups such as the Trompowsky Attack, the Torre Attack, the London/Zukertort systems, or quiet lines with an early e2-e3. Consequently, A45 is not a single opening but an umbrella label for a variety of flexible, off-beat ideas after the initial queen-pawn move order.
Typical Branches under A45
- Trompowsky Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5
- Torre Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5
- London/Zukertort System: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bf4 or 3.Bg5
- Colle-like structures without early c4
- Quiet lines with 1.d4 Nf6 2.e3, aiming for a solid set-up before revealing intentions
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility: By delaying c2-c4 White keeps options open and can transpose into multiple middlegame structures based on Black’s replies.
- Piece Activity vs. Centre: Lines such as the Trompowsky (2.Bg5) immediately pin or exchange the knight on f6, sometimes doubling Black’s pawns and grabbing the bishop pair.
- Reduced Theory Load: Compared with mainstream 1.d4 openings, much less concrete theory must be memorized, making A45 attractive for club players and as a surprise weapon even at elite level.
- Early Imbalances: The bishop sortie or the omission of c4 can steer the game away from symmetrical pawn structures, providing fighting chances for both sides.
Historical & Modern Significance
• The Trompowsky is named after Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897-1984), who championed
1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 in the 1930s.
• A45 systems gained renewed popularity in the 1990s when grandmasters like Julian Hodgson and
Vladimir Kramnik used the Trompowsky to sidestep the heavily analysed King’s Indian and Grünfeld
defences.
• World Champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand have occasionally chosen A45 lines to avoid an
opponent’s preparation while keeping winning chances.
• Engines evaluate many A45 positions as roughly equal, yet the practical
value of surprising unfamiliar opponents remains high.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen vs. Caruana, London Classic 2015 – Trompowsky Attack
Carlsen’s early 2.Bg5 provoked pawn weaknesses and led to a dynamic kingside advance; the novelty 12.f4! revealed the attacking potential of the opening.
Model Position to Visualise
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 (a common Trompowsky tabiya), the pieces stand:
- White: King g1, Queen d1, Rooks a1 & f1, Knights c3 & g1, Bishops f1 & c1, pawns a2 b2 c2 d4 e4 f2 g2 h2.
- Black: King e8, Queen f6, Rooks a8 & h8, Knights f6 (just captured) & g8, Bishops c8 & f8, pawns a7 b7 c7 d7 e6 f7 g7 h6.
White aims for rapid development with Nf3, Bd3, Qe2, O-O-O and a kingside pawn storm, while Black seeks stability via …d6, …g6, …Bg7, and timely strikes in the centre.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- When Vladimir Kramnik debuted the Trompowsky against Kasparov in Dortmund 1998, Kasparov used nearly half an hour on move 4 – testimony to the line’s surprise value even at the very top.
- The A45 code also shelters quirky sidelines such as 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 c5?! – the so-called “Pom-Pom” variation, named after IM Tony Kosten’s jest that Black’s position “explodes like a pom-pom” if mishandled.
- Because the early bishop sortie often trades on f6, some jokingly refer to the Trompowsky as “The Dentist” – it removes Black’s knight before the patient knows what happened.
When to Add A45 to Your Repertoire
- You prefer understanding over memorisation and enjoy steering the game into less explored territory.
- You face opponents who thrive on theoretical battles in the Grünfeld, King’s Indian, or Nimzo-Indian.
- You want dynamic attacking chances against the solid …Nf6 replies without conceding long-term structural weaknesses.
Key Takeaways
- A45 is a flexible “system family”, not a concrete variation.
- Early bishop moves (Bg5/Bf4) or a restrained pawn centre are hallmarks.
- The opening’s practical edge lies in surprise value, piece activity, and reduced theoretical workload.