Paleface Attack (Trompowsky) - Opening
Paleface Attack
Definition
The Paleface Attack is an opening system that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5. By immediately deploying the bishop to g5, White pins (or threatens to pin) the f6-knight and signals an intention to steer play away from mainstream Queen’s-Pawn theory into less-charted, combative positions. In modern opening literature the same line is more commonly referred to as the Trompowsky Attack; “Paleface” is an older nickname that still crops up in databases and ECO tables (ECO code A45).
Typical Move Order
The most common sequences are:
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 – the pure form.
- 1. d4 d5 2. Bg5 – sometimes also labelled Paleface, though technically no knight is pinned yet.
- Transpositions from the Veresov or Torre can arrive if White has played Nc3 or Nf3 beforehand and later plays Bg5.
Strategic Ideas
- Immediate tension: The move 2.Bg5 confronts Black with a decision on move two—ignore the bishop, chase it, or allow the doubled-pawn structure that follows Bxf6.
- Pawn-structure play: After 2…d5 3.Bxf6 exf6 White often targets the weakened f-pawn and dark squares (e.g., e5, g4).
- Flexible development: White frequently delays c2-c4, choosing setups with e3, Nf3, Bd3, and sometimes c4 later—sidestepping a great deal of Indian-defence theory.
- Psychological weapon: Many elite players use the Paleface/Trompowsky to knock opponents out of their pet Grünfeld, King’s Indian, or Nimzo repertoires as early as move 2.
Historical Background
The line is named for Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897–1984), who employed it with notable success in the 1930s–40s. The descriptive label “Paleface” dates from roughly the same era, a tongue-in-cheek allusion to White’s early display of the “white-squared” bishop. While the Trompowsky name eventually dominated, “Paleface Attack” survived in older British and American texts and still appears in some databases.
Model Game Snapshot
Below is a miniature showcasing classic Paleface themes:
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|Bg5|d5|Bxf6|exf6|e3|c5|Nc3|cxd4|Qxd4|Be6|Bb5+|Nc6|Qa4|Qc7|O-O-O|Rd8|Nf3|Be7|Nxd4|O-O-O|Nxe6 |fen|r2kr1nr/ppq1bppp/2n1bp2/1B6/Q2p4/2N1P3/PP3PPP/2KR3R w kq - 0 16|arrows|g5f6,d4d5]]White has induced doubled f-pawns, secured a half-open e-file for future pressure, and enjoys a comfortable initiative.
Famous Uses
- Miles vs. Short, Tilburg 1993 – Tony Miles deployed the Paleface to topple Nigel Short in 23 moves.
- Kasparov vs. Kramnik, Dos Hermanas 1996 (blitz) – even World Champions have experimented with it in faster time controls.
- Hodgson’s weapon: English GM Julian Hodgson made the opening one of his signatures in the 1990s, scoring a high percentage with both Bxf6 lines and quieter e3 setups.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Exchange on f6 early to fracture Black’s kingside pawn shield.
- Rapidly castle queenside and throw pawns (h4-h5, g4) at Black’s king.
- Exploit dark-square holes with pieces landing on e5, g5, or h6.
- If Black avoids …exf6, maintain the pin and develop normally (Nf3, e3, c4).
- Black
- Break the pin with …Ne4 or …h6/…g5, gaining space at the cost of minor weaknesses.
- Accept doubled pawns but claim the bishop pair and central pawn majority.
- Counter-attack in the center with …c5 or …e5 before White is fully coordinated.
- Opt for set-ups like …d5/…c6 (solid) or the sharp Barry Defence: 2…Ne4 3.Bf4 c5!?
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The Paleface was once viewed as “coffee-house” but engine evaluations reveal its soundness; many lines hover around equality.
- It is one of the rare Queen’s Pawn openings where White can safely castle long as a matter of opening principle.
- GM Simon Williams nicknames it “the Punk Opening” for its rebellious, anti-establishment flavor.
- In ICCF correspondence play, the line with 2…Ne4 3.Bf4 d5 has produced some of the highest drawing percentages, suggesting deep theoretical balance.
Summary
The Paleface Attack (Trompowsky) is a practical, strategically rich weapon for players who relish imbalanced pawn structures, early initiative, and the chance to sidestep encyclopedic Indian-defence theory. Its blend of surprise value and solid positional foundations keeps it a popular choice at every level—from weekend tournaments to rapid & blitz clashes between elite grandmasters.