Trompowsky: 2...d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6 4.e3
Trompowsky: 2...d5 3.Bxf6 gxf6 4.e3
Definition
The line 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 d5 3. Bxf6 gxf6 4. e3 is a sharp and strategically rich branch of the Trompowsky Attack. By voluntarily giving up the dark- squared bishop on f6, White inflicts doubled f-pawns on Black and plans to exploit the weakened kingside structure, while Black gains the bishop pair and potential activity along the g-file. The immediate 4. e3 keeps the position flexible: the c-pawn can still advance to c4, the queen can come to f3 or h5, and the knight may develop via e2 or f3 depending on circumstances.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. Bg5 d5
- 3. Bxf6 gxf6
- 4. e3
Strategic Themes
- Pawn Structure: Black’s doubled f-pawns (f7–f6) create long-term weaknesses on the light squares (e.g., e5, g5, h5) but offer semi-open g- and f-files for piece play.
- Bishop Pair vs. Structural Grip: After 3…gxf6 Black owns the bishops, while White’s remaining minor pieces can target the f- and g-pawns. The ensuing middlegame often revolves around whether the bishops outweigh the pawn weaknesses.
- Development Race: White aims for rapid c4, Nc3, Qf3/Qh5, and 0-0-0. Black typically replies …c6, …Qb6, …Bf5 or …Bg4, and sometimes castles queenside to connect the rooks on the f- and g-files.
- Endgame Considerations: If queens are exchanged early, Black’s pawn majority (4-vs-3) on the kingside can turn into a serious asset, provided the doubled f-pawns can be repaired by … f6-f5-f4. White, meanwhile, seeks to create an outside passed pawn on the queenside.
Historical Background
The Trompowsky Attack is named after the Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky (1897-1984). However, the specific d5 and Bxf6 gxf6 line became popular in the 1990s when English GM Julian Hodgson and Dutch GM Jeroen Piket employed it as a surprise weapon against mainstream Indian and Queen’s Gambit specialists. Hodgson famously quipped, “If …d5, I take it!” referring to 3. Bxf6.
Critical Variations After 4. e3
- 4…c5 5. dxc5: The most dynamic choice. White grabs a pawn and tries to hold it after 5…e6 6. c4. Black relies on rapid piece activity.
- 4…e5 5. c4 exd4 6. exd4: A central confrontation where Black’s lead in development compensates for the isolated d-pawn.
- 4…c6 5. c4: Transposes into a Caro-Kann-like structure with colors reversed. White counts on the fractured kingside to offset Black’s solid center.
Illustrative Game
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|Bg5|d5|Bxf6|gxf6|e3|c5|dxc5|e6|c4|Bxc5|Nc3|d4|exd4|Qxd4| Qxd4|Bxd4|Nf3|Bxc3+|bxc3|Nc6|Bb5|Bd7|0-0|Rc8|Rfd1|a6|Ba4|Ke7| |fen|| |arrows|d1d4,f3d4|squares|d4,c5]]Piket – Akopian, Tilburg 1995. White’s early 5. dxc5 provoked complications, and after a series of exchanges Piket emerged with better structure and the safer king, eventually converting in a rook ending.
Practical Tips
- White players should memorize key tactical shots on the g- and h-files (e.g., sacrifices on f7 or h7) since Black’s king often lingers in the center.
- Black should not hesitate to play …f5 at the right moment; repairing the pawn structure can neutralize White’s long-term pressure.
- In rapid or blitz, the line is dangerous for the second player if unprepared—knowing at least one safe setup (e.g., …c6 & …Bf5) is essential.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- GM Hodgson’s use of this variation led to the humorous nickname “The Hodgson Gambit” among British club players, even though no pawn is actually sacrificed on move three.
- Computer engines once evaluated Black’s doubled f-pawns as a serious defect, but modern neural-network engines (e.g., Leela) often prefer Black’s dynamic potential, illustrating how evaluation trends evolve.
- Several correspondence games have seen Black castle queenside and launch a full-scale pawn storm with …h5-h4, showcasing that the weaknesses can become strengths in the right hands.