Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense
Trompowsky Attack – Classical Defense
Definition
The Trompowsky Attack arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5. When Black counters with 2…d5, the position is classified as the Classical Defense to the Trompowsky. In Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) tables it is indexed as A45.
Move-order and Basic Position
1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 The diagram after 2…d5 shows:
- White bishop actively pinning the f6-knight.
- Black occupying the centre with …d5, mirroring typical Queen’s Pawn openings.
Main Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Bxf6 followed by e2–e3 or c2–c4, aiming at structural damage (doubled f-pawns) and an ensuing minority attack on the kingside.
- Maintaining the bishop with 3.Nd2, 3.e3 or 3.c4, keeping tension and sometimes transposing into Queen’s Gambit structures with an extra tempo (the bishop on g5).
- For Black
- Central solidity. The pawn on d5 claims space and may later be supported by …c6 or …e6.
- Accepting doubled pawns. After 3.Bxf6 exf6 Black gains the semi-open e-file and long-term kingside pawn majority.
- Flexible development. Common set-ups include …e6, …Be7, …O-O, or a fianchetto with …g6, …Bg7.
Historical Background
The Trompowsky is named after the Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897-1984), who championed 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 in the 1930s and 40s. The specific reply 2…d5 was favoured by “classical” strategists such as Efim Bogoljubow, hence the label Classical Defense.
Typical Continuations
- 3.Bxf6 exf6 4.e3
(Carlsbad-style structures). - 3.Nd2 c5!? 4.e3 Qb6 – Black strikes at the centre before doubling is forced.
- 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e3
– positions reminiscent of the Slav Defence.
Model Game Snapshot
The following miniature illustrates the doubled-pawn line and White’s typical kingside pressure:
[[Pgn|d4|Nf6|Bg5|d5|Bxf6|exf6|e3|Bd6|c4|c6|Nc3|dxc4|Bxc4|O-O|Nf3|Nd7|O-O|f5|Qb3|Qf6| arrows|g5f6,f3g5|squares|f6,d5]]Common Tactical Themes & Traps
- Greek-Gift Motif: After …h6 Bh4 g5? Bxg5 hxg5 Qxg5+, Black’s king can be ripped open because the f6-knight is pinned.
- e-file Pin: In the 3.Bxf6 exf6 line, White often plays 5.Bd3 and 6.Qf3 piling up on f5–f7 squares while the e-pawn is pinned by the rook on e1.
Notable Encounters
- Hodgson – Kramnik, Linares 1993: White employs 3.c4 and wins a strategic endgame.
- Grischuk – Topalov, Dortmund 2001: Black accepts doubled pawns and later uses the half-open e-file for counterplay.
Interesting Facts
- Early computer programs such as Deep Blue included the Classical Defense in their opening book to avoid Kasparov’s pet 2…Ne4 line.
- Julian Hodgson, a leading Trompowsky expert, jokingly called 2…d5 “the gentleman’s reply” because it declines early tactical complications.
- The structure after Bxf6 exf6 sometimes transposes into a reversed Caro-Kann Panov Attack with colours switched.
Why Choose – or Avoid – the Classical Defense?
Choose it if you enjoy solid, classical pawn centres and do not fear doubled pawns.
Avoid it if you dislike long, strategic battles where White can probe the kingside with minimal risk.
With a sound positional foundation and relatively few forced variations, the Classical Defense remains a reliable answer to 2.Bg5 from club level up to elite play.