Trompowsky: 2...e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 Bb4
Trompowsky: 2...e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 Bb4
Definition
The position reached after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 is a sharp branch of the Trompowsky Attack in which Black replies to 2.Bg5 with the solid 2…e6 (sometimes called the Classical Defense or Trompowsky-Réti). White immediately stakes space with 3.e4, and after the typical kick 3…h6 exchanges on f6, luring the queen to an un-stable post. 5.Nc3 hits the queen and encourages 5…Bb4, after which the game resembles a hybrid between a Nimzo-Indian and a pseudo-Veresov.
How the Line Is Used
- Surprise weapon: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 is itself less common than 2.c4; adding the early pawn thrust 3.e4 and the exchange on f6 can quickly drag Black into unfamiliar territory.
- Space grabbing: By pushing the e-pawn two squares White sets up a broad pawn centre (d4–e4–c2/c3) and gains the option of e4-e5 later.
- Imbalanced middlegame: The doubled f-pawns (after …gxf6 in some lines) or the queen’s early development give each side concrete dynamic chances rather than a slow manoeuvring struggle.
- Practical decision-making: White must weigh the long-term bishop pair against rapid development; Black chooses between …Qe7/…Qd8 retreats or the more combative 5…Bb4.
Typical Strategic Themes
- Queen placement: The queen on f6 can become a tactical target after Nb5, e5, or pin-breaking ideas with Qg4 or Qd2 by White.
- Bishop vs. knight imbalance: White has given up the dark-squared bishop; Black’s remaining bishop on b4 often strives to inflict structural damage by exchanging on c3.
- Central tension: White’s e- and d-pawns advance aggressively, while Black counters with …c5 or …d5, fighting for dark squares.
- King safety: Both players delay castling; in many practical games queenside castling by White (after Qd2, 0-0-0) races against Black’s kingside ambitions.
Historical and Theoretical Significance
The Trompowsky (named after the Brazilian master Octávio Trompowsky) entered top-level practice in the 1990s, popularised by players such as Julian Hodgson and Michael Adams. The sub-variation with 2…e6 became fashionable when elite defenders searched for safer ground than 2…Ne4. In the 2000s Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen, and Levon Aronian all experimented with it in rapid or blitz games, acknowledging its surprise value. Modern engines rate the position after 5…Bb4 as roughly level, but practical results tilt slightly toward White thanks to the initiative.
Illustrative Examples
-
Carlsen – Giri, Tata Steel Blitz 2020
Carlsen sacrificed a pawn with 11.e5, drove the queen back, and won a model attacking game in only 26 moves. - Kosteniuk – Gunina, Russian Ch. Superfinal 2017 Black accepted doubled f-pawns with 4…gxf6 instead of 4…Qxf6, castled long, and eventually prevailed in a tactical slug-fest, illustrating the line’s double-edged nature.
Common Continuations After 5…Bb4
- 6.e5 Qg6 7.Bd3 Qxg2 8.Qf3 — the sharp Poisoned Pawn sub-line where both queens roam the board.
- 6.Nge2 d5 7.e5 Qe7 8.a3 — White chases the bishop and builds a strong centre; Black relies on breaks …f6 or …c5.
- 6.Qd3 d5 7.exd5 exd5 — calmer play leading to an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) structure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Julian Hodgson reportedly coined the tongue-in-cheek term “Tramp-owski” for his treatment of the opening, emphasizing its hustler-like surprise value.
- In online bullet, Magnus Carlsen has used this exact move order to defeat engines running on viewers’ hardware, proving its practicality even against silicon opposition.
- Octávio Trompowsky himself rarely played the early e-pawn thrust; the fashionable 3.e4 twist is a modern invention layered onto his original 1930s idea of Bxf6.
Summary
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 is a fighting line that merges Trompowsky themes (quick bishop trade, early queen sortie) with Nimzo-Indian motifs (…Bb4 pins). Its soundness, surprise value, and ability to create lively imbalances make it a useful weapon for club players and grandmasters alike.