Trompowsky Attack - chess opening
Trompowsky Attack
Definition
The Trompowsky Attack is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5. By immediately pinning—or threatening to exchange—the f6-knight, White steers the game away from the heavily analysed Queen’s Gambit and Indian Defences into independent channels. It is named after Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897-1984), who employed it with notable success in the 1930s and 1940s.
Typical Move Order
Most common transpositions:
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 (main line)
- 1. d4 d5 2. Bg5 (sometimes called the Pseudo-Trompowsky)
- 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. d4 g6 3. Bg5 (delayed or “Torre-Tromp” hybrid)
Key Branches & Ideas
After 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Black has several principal replies:
- 2…Ne4 3.Bf4 (or 3.Bh4) – the
Raptor/Main Line.
White usually follows with e3, Bd3, Nd2, and sometimes c4, aiming for a flexible central build-up. - 2…e6 – the Classic System.
Black simply prepares …d5 and …Be7. White can decide immediately whether to trade on f6 (inflicting doubled pawns) or maintain the pin. - 2…d5 – meeting bishop with pawn.
After 3.Bxf6 exf6, Black’s pawn structure is damaged but he gains the bishop pair and central presence. - 2…g6 – King’s Indian set-up.
Leads to rich, double-edged middlegames where the exchange on f6 may deprive Black of his ideal pawn shield.
Strategic Themes
- Early tension on f6: White can decide when (or if) to exchange, keeping Black guessing about pawn structure.
- Asymmetric pawn structures: The exchange Bxf6 …exf6 creates a half-open e-file for Black but weakens his kingside dark squares.
- Development lead: By avoiding c2-c4 in many lines, White often castles quickly and plans for rapid queenside expansion (a2-a4-a5 or c4 later).
- Psycho-logical weapon: Because mainstream Indian theory is bypassed, the Trompowsky is popular as a surprise choice at every level.
Historical Background
Octávio Trompowsky introduced 2. Bg5 into master play at Buenos Aires 1939, scoring several upsets. Later adopters included Vladimir Tukmakov, Anthony Miles, and Julian Hodgson, the latter spearheading its renaissance in the 1990s. In modern elite play, Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian, and Hikaru Nakamura have all used the opening as an occasional weapon.
Illustrative Game
Adams – Nakamura, London Chess Classic 2011
The game highlights the razor-sharp possibilities of the Raptor line (2…Ne4). Both sides ignored conventional development to focus on tactics surrounding queenside pawns and the central e-file.
Notable Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 2. Bg5 earned the nickname “The Irritating Bishop” among grandmasters because it forces early, non-standard decisions.
- Julian Hodgson’s success rate with the Trompowsky in the 1990s exceeded 70% with the white pieces, inspiring a generation of English club players.
- When Magnus Carlsen used it against Gata Kamsky (2010 Olympiad), commentators joked that “even the World Champion wants to avoid opening theory.” Carlsen won in 29 moves.
- The line 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. h4!? is whimsically called the Hobbs-Zilbermints Gambit; although objectively risky, it has produced many miniature upsets in blitz.
When to Choose the Trompowsky
Ideal for players who:
- Prefer strategic imbalance over memorising long theoretical variations.
- Are comfortable playing with bishop vs. knight middlegames.
- Enjoy surprising opponents who rely heavily on Queen’s Gambit or King’s Indian preparation.
Summary
The Trompowsky Attack is a flexible, strategically rich opening that immediately asks Black how he intends to cope with the potential exchange on f6. Its blend of surprise value, dynamic pawn structures, and relative theoretical lightness make it a favourite at both club and professional levels. Mastering its typical plans—rather than rote memorisation of long variations—is the key to unleashing its full practical power.