Trompowsky: 2...Ne4 3.h4 c5 4.dxc5

Trompowsky Attack: 2…Ne4 3.h4 c5 4.dxc5

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4 3.h4 c5 4.dxc5 is a sharp sideline of the Trompowsky Attack (sometimes called the Tromp). After White’s second-move bishop pin on f6, Black immediately questions the bishop with 2…Ne4. White responds with the aggressive pawn thrust 3.h4, and when Black strikes in the center with 3…c5 White captures: 4.dxc5. This variation is often catalogued as:

• Trompowsky Attack: Falkenhayn Gambit Declined
• Eco Code: A45 (sometimes A46/A49 depending on transposition)

How the Line Is Used in Practice

• White’s goals: seize space on the kingside with h-pawn aggression, preserve the g5-bishop, and keep the extra c5-pawn as a positional asset or return it for development. • Black’s goals: exploit the temporary discoordination of White’s queenside pieces, destroy the c5-pawn with …Na6–c5 or …e6–Bxc5, and use the central pawn majority created by …c5 to seize the initiative.

Strategic Significance

The structure after 4.dxc5 is unbalanced:

• White has an outside passed-pawn candidate on the c-file and kingside space.
• Black enjoys lead in development and open central files for piece play.

Both sides must calculate concrete tactics; one misstep can decide the game quickly. Because of its asymmetry, the variation is a favorite weapon of players who need to win with either color.

Move-Order Notes

1. 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 – The signature Trompowsky bishop pin.
2. 2…Ne4 – Black attacks the bishop, offering the double-pawned e-pawn after Bf4.
3. 3.h4 – A modern, aggressive alternative to 3.Bf4 or 3.Bh4, preventing …h6.
4. 3…c5 – The Falkenhayn Gambit, striking in the center instead of the older 3…d5.
5. 4.dxc5 – White keeps the pawn, declining the gambit and entering the critical line.

Typical Continuations

Common replies for Black after 4.dxc5 include:

• 4…Nc6 5.Qd5 Qa5+ aiming to regain the pawn on c5 with tempo.
• 4…Na6 heading to c5, sometimes followed by …Naxc5 and …h6.
• 4…h6 5.Bf4 Nxc5 combining piece activity with pawn recovery.

Illustrative Game

Although still rare at super-GM level, the variation appeared in the 2018 Asian Continental Championship:

White ultimately converted the c-pawn into a queenside passer and won on move 56.

Historical Background

The move 3.h4 gained prominence in the 1990s thanks to São-Paulo GM Julio Granda-Zúñiga and later was adopted by creative attackers such as Alexander Morozevich. The 3…c5 reply was analyzed as early as 1958 by German master Hans Falkenhayn, but computer engines have revitalized interest, showing that both sides have chances.

Example Plans

• White: castle queenside, push h-pawn to h5–h6, use c-pawn as bait to open lines.
• Black: rapid development with …Na6–c5 and …d6–d5, break in the center with …e5.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 3.h4 earned the nickname “Caveman Tromp” because White unapologetically throws the h-pawn up the board, club in hand.
• Engines prefer 4…Qa5+ for Black, but many human players avoid it because of the maze-like positions that arise after 5.c3.
• Magnus Carlsen has toyed with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 in online blitz, but usually chooses quieter continuations instead of 3.h4.

Key Takeaways

1. The line is highly tactical—memorization alone is dangerous; understand ideas.
2. Holding the c-pawn is less important than finding safe squares for White’s queen.
3. Black must act quickly; a slow recapture on c5 gives White lasting pressure.