Trompowsky: 2...Ne4 3.Bf4 c5

Trompowsky: 2...Ne4 3.Bf4 c5 (Pseudo-Benoni Variation)

Definition

This variation arises in the Trompowsky Attack after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4 3.Bf4 c5. Black first chases the bishop with 2...Ne4, then—rather than defending the knight—strikes at the d4–pawn with 3...c5. The resulting positions often resemble a Benoni or Benko structure, with asymmetrical pawn formations and dynamic chances for both sides.

How it is Used in Play

Black’s idea is threefold:

• Challenge White’s center immediately (…c5) while the knight on e4 obstructs White’s natural development.
• Invite transpositions to favorable Benoni-style setups if White plays d4–d5.
• Create tactical pressure; e.g., if 4.dxc5, then 4…Nc6 regains the pawn with active piece play.

White, on the other hand, chooses between:

1. 4.d5 – grabbing space and pushing into a Benoni where the bishop on f4 is excellently placed.
2. 4.f3 – kicking the e4-knight at once, usually leading to sharp play after 4…Qa5+ 5.c3 Nf6.
3. 4.e3 – solid development, preparing Nf3 and c3 while keeping the central tension.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Black delays recapturing on e4, betting that the pawn lever …c5 will justify the adventurous knight.
• Benoni Motifs: After 4.d5, the structure mirrors a Modern Benoni, but White’s bishop is already outside the pawn chain, often giving White a pleasant edge.
• Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure: Black aims for piece activity, even at the cost of structural concessions; White plays for long-term spatial advantage.
• Flexibility: Both sides have multiple setups; early deviations by White (such as 4.dxc5 or 4.Nd2) can lead to unique, less-theorized positions.

Historical Notes

• The Trompowsky (2.Bg5) was popularized by the Brazilian GM Octávio Trompowsky in the 1930s–40s.
• The specific 3…c5 idea gained traction in the late 1980s when Soviet Benoni specialists (e.g., GM Nukhim Rashkovsky) began employing it as a surprise weapon.
• In modern practice, elite grandmasters such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexander Grischuk have experimented with the line, especially in rapid or blitz formats where its offbeat nature can pay dividends.

Illustrative Game

Caruana vs. Grischuk, FIDE Grand Prix, Baku 2014

In this rapid game, Black demonstrated the resourcefulness of the 3…c5 setup. Although White gained the two bishops and a spatial plus, Grischuk stirred up enough counterplay on the dark squares to eventually equalize and later prevail in the ending.

Key Continuations

• 4.d5 g5 5.Bc1 Bg7 6.c3 – Modern Benoni with an extra tempo for White.
• 4.f3 Qa5+ 5.c3 Nf6 6.d5 – Extremely sharp; both kings delay castling, and concrete calculation dominates.
• 4.e3 Qb6 5.Nd2 Nxd2 6.Qxd2 Qxb2 – Speculative pawn-grab line where Black tests White’s development.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 3…c5 was once dubbed the “Pseudo-Benoni” because it seeks Benoni themes without the canonical …c5 break on move one (1…c5).
• In correspondence chess, engines initially recommended 4.f3, but prolonged engine vs. engine tests now show 4.d5 scoring better in practice.
• Magnus Carlsen used the Trompowsky (though not this exact branch) as a surprise in the 2016 World Championship rapid playoff against Sergey Karjakin.

Practical Tips

1. As White, know at least one safe line against the forcing variation 4.f3 Qa5+ 5.c3 Nf6, because Black’s queen check can be annoying in blitz time controls.
2. As Black, avoid automatic recaptures; keeping the knight on e4 can psychologically unsettle opponents who expect it to be exchanged.
3. King safety matters: many games feature opposite-side castling and mutual pawn storms, so pawn moves on the flank should harmonize with your long-term plan.

Conclusion

The 3…c5 variation of the Trompowsky is an enterprising, offbeat weapon that blends themes from the Benoni, Benko, and even Grunfeld defenses. While theory still regards the line as slightly better for White with precise play, its imbalance, surprise value, and tactical richness make it a potent choice at all levels—especially in rapid or blitz formats where familiarity often trumps objective evaluation.