Trompowsky Attack

The Trompowsky Attack is an opening that begins with the Queen’s Pawn Opening (1.d4), in which Black responds with 1…Nf6 and the White side goes the early 2.Bg5.

It was popularized in the early 1900s by a Brazilian chess master with the same name. White often seeks to avoid the early complications and deep preparation the enemy might possess. Nowadays, it is played by many of the best players in the world, including the former World Champion Magnus Carlsen.

TL;DR — Trompowsky Attack at a Glance

Starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 (ECO code A45). White immediately attacks the f6-Knight and threatens to double Black’s pawns with Bxf6. The point is simple: skip the heavy theory of the Queen’s Gambit, the Nimzo-Indian and the King’s Indian, and steer the game into positions where understanding beats memorization.

• Main idea: pressure the f6-Knight, keep the position flexible, and play for a small structural or central edge.
• Black’s main replies: 2…Ne4 (most popular), 2…d5, 2…e6, 2…c5 and 2…g6.
• Most aggressive line: the Raptor Variation with 3.h4, expanding on the Kingside.
• Who plays it: Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Jan-Krzysztof Duda all use it, especially in rapid and blitz.
• Verdict: sound and practical, great for club players and faster time controls, though Black equalizes with accurate play.

Winning Percentage on Both Sides

Master Games Statistics

Statistics from 9 Million Amateur Games

Video Tutorial: How to Play the Trompowsky Attack

Join our growing community on YouTube! Subscribe to the channel and discover all the tips, guides, and strategies. We’re on our way to 200 subscribers.

Done with the quick video guide? Dive into the rest of the article to see move-by-move explanations and practical examples of the Trompowsky Attack.

Origins of the Trompowsky Attack

The opening is named after Octavio Trompowsky, a Brazilian champion who used 2.Bg5 regularly in the 1930s and 1940s. The same early Bishop sortie was explored independently by other players, which is why older sources sometimes list it under names like the Ruth or Opovcensky Opening. In modern databases it sits under the ECO code A45.

For decades it was seen as a sideline, until English Grandmaster Julian Hodgson turned it into a serious weapon in the 1980s and 1990s, scoring heavily against strong opposition. Today it is firmly part of elite practice, with Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Jan-Krzysztof Duda all wheeling it out when they want to dodge preparation and get an original game from move two.

Key Ideas in Trompowsky Attack

The main goal of this opening is to double the enemy’s pawns (by capturing the f6-Knight). At least, it is the obvious threat; however, it primarily avoids deep theoretical battles by allowing both sides to develop their pieces flexibly. Black typically aims to go for d5- and c5-pawn pushes and create an ideal pawn break to have open files for their Rooks. These games often transition to strategic games and might require understanding pawn structures and positional aspects of the game.

Trompowsky Attack’s Theory

The main line often leads to positions where both sides make reactive moves and look for the enemy’s mistakes. White can have a space advantage, and Black can assault the rival’s central pawn chain.

The Raptor Variation of the main line often leads to positions where White tries to expand in the Kingside while Black tries to kick their minor pieces and limit their options.

The 2…c5 line allows White to double Black’s pawns by capturing the f6-Knight. This variation typically allows White to expand in the center while Black aims to strike the weak squares White possesses.

The Classical Variation often leads to positions where both sides maneuver their pieces slowly and try to have the best pawn break to create attacking opportunities.

The Main Line: 2. Bg5 Ne4

The Main line begins after Black chooses to go for 2…Ne4. By moving the f6-Knight to e4, Black seeks to assault the Bishop and keep their pawn structure intact.

White typically goes for 3.Bf4 in this position to preserve their Bishop.

Once White goes for 3.Bf4, Black has two main replies. 3…d5 and 3…c5 are considered playable and can be chosen in different move orders.

3…c5 immediately allows White to have an aggressive route once they go for 4.f3 (to Kick the e4-Knight). This often gives White a central advantage after a sequence of moves such as 4…Qa5+, 5.c3 (blocking the check), 5…Nf6 (guarding the Knight) and 6.d5 (expanding in the center). White usually continues with e4, and Black tries to assault the d5-pawn with e6. Black can also play 6…Qb6 to assault the undefended b2-pawn. Then, White can either go for b3 or Bc1 back to protect it.

From there, both sides usually develop their pieces rapidly. White often seeks to utilize their central advantage, and Black tries to punish White by assaulting extended pawns.

If Black goes for the 3…d5 line, White could have different moves to reply with. 4.e3 would be a moral way of continuing since the f4-Bishop would be outside the pawn chain. Black can react with the typical 4…c5 to open up the c-file and create squares for the d8-Queen in the Queenside. Then, White can play 5.Bd3 to attack the e4-Knight. Black can ignore this threat, but in that case, they would end up with a doubled pawn on the e-file after Bxe4 occurs. Hence, the game can continue more strategically if the enemy protects the e4-Knight by returning to f6 (5…Nf6).

One sample line from 5…Nf6 could be 6.c3 (defending the d4-pawn), 6…Nc6 (developing the Knight), 7.Nd2 (having the typical d2-f3 Knight bind to create a pawn break later on), 7…Bg4 (putting the Bishop outside the pawn chain and attacking the d1-Queen), 8.Ngf3 (improving the Knight), 8…e6 (solidifying the pawn structure), 9. O-O, 9…Rc8 (putting the Rook to the c-file since it can be opened for it soon), and 10.Qa4.

White would aim to have the e4-pawn break in the final position after moves like Re1 and Ne5. Black typically either closes the Queenside (By going c4-b5 and expanding in the Queenside) or improves the position further.

Raptor Variation: 3. h4

It starts with the main line, and White plays 3.h4 instead of retreating the g5-Bishop. This move allows White to expand in Kingside.

If Black captures the g5-Bishop (3…Nxg5), White recaptures with the pawn (4.hxg5) and often tries to create light square weaknesses around the enemy King. One sample line could be 4…d5, 5.Nf3 (protecting the g5-pawn), 5…c6, 6.g6 (sacrificing a pawn to create weaknesses on ‘e1-h5’ diagonal), 6…fxg6 (hxg6 is not possible due to pin), 7.Nbd2, 7…e6 and 8.Ne5. White would establish a powerful outpost on e5-square and reinforce it with the other Knight (Ndf3). Black would aim to exchange the Queens, and White would try to pressure the rival as much as possible.

White typically expands on the Kingside and castles on the Queenside if Black doesn’t take on g5.

One sample line could be 3…d5 (fixing the pawns), 4.Nd2 (attacking the e4-Knight), 4…Bf5 (guarding the Knight and preparing the e6-pawn push), 5.Nxe4, 5…Bxe4, 6.f3 (kicking the Bishop). From here, White usually aims to push the pawns on the Kingside and castle Queenside.

2…c5 line

It occurs after Black responds with 2…c5.

This allows White to double Black’s pawn structure after 3.Bxf6 occurs. However, the lack of a dark-squared Bishop for White could be an issue in many lines. One sample line on the Bxf6 line could be 3…gxf6, 4.d5 (expanding in the center), 4…Qb6 (typical attempt to attack the b2-pawn since the dark-squared Bishop is gone), 5.Qc1 (defending the b2-pawn), 5…f5 (preventing e4 attempts and opening up the scope of the f8-Bishop on ‘a1-h8’ diagonal), 6.c4. In this position, Black would put the f8-Bishop on g7, try to utilize its dark-squared Bishop and expose White’s weakened dark squares. White usually maneuvers their Knights, tries to control the center, and untangles the position without blundering anything on b2.

White can also play 3.Nc3 and go for the Poisoned Pawn Variation after Black goes 3…Qb6 (with the idea of Qxb2).

White may push the d-pawn to d5 and sacrifice the b2-pawn (4. d5). This pawn can be poisoned if Black doesn’t play precisely after they take the pawn. 4…Qxb2 will be met with sneaky 5.Bd2 (setting up Rb1 and Nb5 moves with tempo, the idea of threatening for Nc7+ and attacking the Queen simultaneously). Black’s best response is to return to b6 (5…Qb6), and White would have a great center with an e4-pawn push. Also, the semi-open b2-file will be useful once the a1-Rook lands on b1.

If Black blunders with a move like 5…e6, 6.Rb1 (assaulting the Queen), 6…Qa3 and 7.Nb5 would be a winning position since Nc7+ is unavoidable.

Classical Defense: 2…e6

The Classical Variation takes place after Black goes for 2…e6. White usually gives up the Bishop pair and gets central control. These games often transition to quiet positions where both sides develop their pieces and wait for their opponent’s mistakes.

3.e4 is the most common move by White on every level. Black typically kicks the g5-Bishop (3…h6), and White usually takes the f6-Knight. It should be noted that 4.Bh4 would not be a good idea since 4…g5 and 5.Bg3 would lose the e4-pawn (5…Nxe4).

Hence, White often captures the f6 (4.Bxf6), and Black recaptures with the Queen (4…Qxf6).

One sample line could be 5.Nc3 (developing the Knight), 5…Bb4 (pinning the Knight), 6.Qd3 (protecting the Knight with the Queen to avoid doubled pawns), 6…Nc6 (improving the Knight), and 7.Nf3. A position like this would be quite balanced, White could castle both sides, and Black would play with a d6-e6 pawn structure and aim to utilize its Bishop pair by opening up the position. White would seek to expand even further and kick Black’s pieces out of their ideal locations.

Other Black Replies: 2…d5 and 2…g6

Two more setups appear often enough to be worth knowing, especially at club level where Black avoids the sharper 2…Ne4 and 2…c5 lines.

2…d5 line

It occurs after Black responds with 2…d5, supporting the center right away. White’s most direct try is 3.Bxf6, doubling Black’s pawns at the cost of the dark-squared Bishop. One sample line could be 3…exf6, 4.e3, 4…Bd6, 5.c4 (challenging the d5-pawn), 5…dxc4, 6.Bxc4 and 7.Nc3. White ends up with the healthier pawn structure, while Black relies on the Bishop pair and the half-open e-file.

Black can also recapture with 3…gxf6 to keep the pawns flexible for an early f5 and active piece play on the Kingside.

2…g6 line

It takes place after 2…g6, where Black heads for a King’s-Indian style fianchetto. White usually clarifies the structure with 3.Bxf6, and a typical continuation is 3…exf6, 4.e3, 4…Bg7, 5.c4, 5…d6 and 6.Nc3. White is happy to trade the dark-squared Bishop here, since the Bg7 bites on its own f6-pawn, and White can develop comfortably and press on the half-open files. Black, in return, keeps the Bishop pair and a solid, familiar setup.

Best Ways for Black to Meet the Trompowsky

If you are facing the Trompowsky and want a reliable plan rather than a memorized line, these are the most dependable choices:

• 2…Ne4: the most principled reply. It challenges the g5-Bishop immediately and keeps Black’s structure intact, which is why it is the main line.
• 2…e6: a calm, flexible setup. Black accepts the Bishop trade after 3.e4 h6 and gets the Bishop pair in a quiet position.
• 2…c5: the most combative answer, striking at the center and inviting White into double-edged play. Just be ready for the Poisoned Pawn lines.

Whatever you pick, the two rules of thumb are the same: do not grab the b2-pawn unless you have calculated the follow-up, and watch the loose g5-Bishop, which can sometimes be won with an early Qa5+.

Trompowsky vs London System vs Torre Attack

The Trompowsky is often grouped with two other low-theory 1.d4 systems. They look similar because White develops the dark-squared Bishop early, but the timing changes the character of the game.

The practical takeaway: the Trompowsky is the most provocative of the three. By committing the Bishop to g5 on move two, White forces Black to make an early decision about the f6-Knight, while the Torre and London let White set up a safe structure first and think later.

Grandmaster games with Trompowsky Attack

1. Jan-Krzysztof Duda vs. Magnus Carlsen, 2022

2. Hikaru Nakamura vs. Teimour Radjabov, 2021

3. Vladislav Artemiev vs. Kateryna Lagno, 2021

Pros and Cons

Common Trap

One common trap for Black is to take advantage of White’s loose g5-Bishop. After the Trompowsky Attack begins (1.d4, 1…Nf6 and 2.Bg5), Black can open up Queen’s scope by playing a move like 2…c6. This hidden threat should not be underestimated. If White does not protect the Bishop or capture the Knight and plays a move like 3.e3, Black can win the Bishop after 3…Qa5+.

Conclusion

The Trompowsky Opening is a chess opening that begins with 1.d4. It is often used to avoid a theory battle at the elite level. It often leads to calculative and strategic positions where both sides can slip if they don’t find the right move. Due to their nature, most moves are either reactive and forceful or very flexible. It is advised for beginners to learn the key concepts of positional chess before deploying this weapon in their games.

Written by

Anton Shuravin

Founder of ChessDoctrine.com and author of most of its content. A FIDE-rated player with more than 14 years of experience, rated 1900+ on Lichess in bullet and blitz. Has recorded 88 lessons for the ChessDoctrine YouTube channel. Currently completing a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics. Plays the Ruy Lopez, English Opening, and Réti as White, and the French Defense and King's Indian as Black.

Ask Question

Reviewed by

Emre Sancakli, Chess Coach

Chess coach based in Turkey with chess.com ratings of 2410 blitz, 2380 rapid, and 2557 bullet — verifiable on his chess.com profile (mrsnckl). Has coached more than 100 students, from adult beginners to tournament players. Particularly enjoys teaching the Italian Game, French Defense, and King's Indian — openings that reward understanding ideas over memorizing lines.

Ask Question

FAQs

Is the Trompowsky Attack good for beginners?

It’s not the easiest opening for beginners, since it sometimes breaks classical principles and can lead to strange positions. But if you want to avoid long theory and surprise your opponent early, it’s a fun and creative choice.

How to deal with a Trompowsky Attack?

The most solid reply is 2…Ne4, immediately challenging the bishop and keeping your structure safe. You can also go for lines like 2…e6 or 2…c5 to build a normal setup, just stay alert for tricks and doubled pawn traps.

Is the Trompowsky Attack aggressive or positional?

It’s a mix of both. The bishop move looks quiet, but it can lead to sharp kingside attacks or solid strategic games, depending on how Black responds and what White goes for.

Is the Trompowsky a good opening for rapid or blitz chess?

Absolutely. It throws opponents out of prep and leads to unfamiliar positions quickly, which is perfect when time is short and your opponent is relying on memory.

What is the Trompowsky Attack?

It’s a chess opening for White that starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 (ECO A45). White attacks the f6-Knight right away and threatens to double Black’s pawns with Bxf6. It’s a popular way to play 1.d4 while skipping most of the heavy mainline theory.

Is the Trompowsky Attack good?

Yes, it’s a sound opening that scores well, especially below master level and in faster time controls. Top players like Carlsen, Nakamura and Duda use it. Black can equalize with accurate play, but in practice the Trompowsky asks tough questions early and wins plenty of games on its own.

Is the Trompowsky Attack a gambit?

Not by definition, but it often turns into gambit-style play. White regularly sacrifices the b2-pawn for a lead in development, and in some 3…d5 lines you can reach a Blackmar-Diemer setup with f3 and e4, a full tempo up on the usual version.

What is the Raptor Variation?

The Raptor Variation is the aggressive line where, after 2…Ne4, White plays 3.h4 instead of retreating the Bishop. White expands on the Kingside, often castles long, and plays for a direct attack rather than a slow positional game.

What’s the difference between the Trompowsky and the Torre Attack?

Both develop the Bishop to g5, but the Torre plays Nf3 first (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5), so it’s calmer and more positional. The Trompowsky pins nothing and hits the Knight on move two, which makes it sharper and more provocative.