Trompowsky: 2...d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6
Trompowsky: 2…d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6 (A45)
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6 is a sharp sideline of the Trompowsky Attack (ECO A45) in which White voluntarily surrenders the dark-squared bishop on f6 and Black recaptures with the g-pawn, accepting doubled f-pawns and a semi-open g-file. The resulting pawn structure and piece placement lead to an imbalanced middlegame rich in strategic and tactical possibilities for both sides.
Move order and immediate consequences
The most common move order is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.Bg5 d5
- 3.Bxf6 gxf6
• White removes Black’s key king-side knight and inflicts doubled, isolated f-pawns.
• Black gains the bishop pair and opens the g-file toward White’s king.
• Material is equal, but the pawn structure guarantees an unbalanced struggle.
Strategic ideas
- For White
- Exploit the weakened light squares (e.g., e5, g5) and the fractured pawn shield in front of Black’s king.
- Rapid development with c4, Nc3, e3, Qf3 or Qh5 aiming at f7 and f6.
- Long-term endgame dream: target the f6 pawn with doubled rooks on the f-file.
- For Black
- Use the bishop pair and semi-open g-file: …Rg8, …Bg7, and occasional …f5-f4.
- Central counterplay: …c5 or …e5 can challenge White’s pawn center.
- King safety options: castle long or keep the king in the center behind pawns f7–f6–f7 (after …e6). Short castling is also playable because the g-file is already half-open for Black’s rook.
Historical background
The line grows out of the Trompowsky Attack, named after Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897-1984), who frequently employed 2.Bg5 in the 1930s and 1940s. The specific 3…gxf6 continuation became fashionable in the 1990s thanks to English GM Julian Hodgson, whose aggressive style showcased the dynamic potential of Black’s doubled pawns and open g-file. Modern grandmasters such as Lenier Domínguez, Leinier Pérez, and Alexander Grischuk have also experimented with the variation.
Typical plans for White
- Break in the center with c4 and later e4, using lead in development.
- Aim queen or bishop at the f6 pawn: setups with Qf3, Bd3, and O-O-O.
- Undermine Black’s pawn chain with h3 & g4 or even sacrifice g-pawns to open lines.
- If Black castles queenside, launch a pawn storm on the a- and b-files.
Typical plans for Black
- Quick kingside pressure: …Rg8, …c6, …Qb6, and double rooks on the g-file.
- Expand in the center with …e5 (sometimes preceded by …f5) to activate the dark-squared bishop.
- In many lines Black’s king stays in the center and the rooks swing to g8 and g2.
- Long-term endgame edge: bishop pair vs. bishop & knight, fewer pawn islands if f-pawns trade later.
Illustrative miniature
The following short game highlights both sides’ ideas:
Black sacrificed structure but soon rolled White over the g-file and center. Notice how the bishop pair and open lines compensated for the weakened pawns.
Famous encounters
- Hodgson – Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 1992: Hodgson, as Black, uncorked 3…gxf6 and won in 28 moves after a thematic …f5 break.
- Domínguez – Adams, Linares 2008: A high-level draw showing balanced play—White pressed on f6; Black’s rook activity on g- and h-files held the position.
Common pitfalls
- White: Over-focusing on f6 can backfire if the center is neglected; premature g2-g4 often drops the h-pawn or opens files for Black.
- Black: Greedy pawn grabbing (…c5xd4 without preparation) can lead to catastrophic weaknesses on the light squares, especially e5 and g5.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- The doubled f-pawns are less of a liability than they look; after …f5 they often become a battering ram, echoing the famous Latvian Gambit spirit.
- Because the variation starts with 3.Bxf6, some club players nickname it the “Self-Inflicted Carlsbad” for Black—the pawn structure vaguely resembles the Carlsbad (f-pawns doubled instead of c-pawns).
- Computer engines initially disapproved of 3…gxf6, but modern neural-network engines see it as fully playable and sometimes even prefer it due to the long-term bishop pair and open lines.
Summary
The line 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6 creates an immediate imbalance: White earns structural targets, while Black claims the bishop pair and dynamic kingside chances. Its richness makes it a favorite of creative players who are willing to leave mainstream Queen’s Gambit theory and head into unexplored territory as early as move three.