The Trompowsky Attack
The Trompowsky Attack is a chess opening for white that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5.
White immediately attacks the knight and forces black to make a decision - to get their pawns doubled or not. The Trompowsky Attack is a great choice for players that want to stay away from the Queen’s Gambit but still want to play 1.d4.
The Trompowsky is easy-to learn because it doesn’t involve learning too much theory, and gives the player with white the chance to play in an attacking or positional way, depending on the lines they choose. This opening is named after Octavio Trompowsky, a Brazilian champion who popularized it in the 1930s and 1940s.
Main Ideas in the Trompowsky Attack
Black’s second move will determine what kind of game it will be. Black has several options of responding to the Trompowsky Attack. Since 2.Bg5, white is threatening to damage black’s pawn structure by playing BxN. Although black can avoid this, they do not always do it.
♟ Developing the Bishop Early
Develops the bishop to g5 to threaten Black's f6 knight, immediately challenging their setup.
🔄 Major Defensive Plans
Highlighting Black's candidate response squares: e4, d5, e6, c5, and g6.
Even though the Trompowsky is significantly less played than 2.c4 and 2.Nf3, it scores really well against black, and is a sound opening. Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen, Nakamura, and Duda are only a few of the top masters to have used the Trompowsky Attack in their games.
Most Played Moves in the Trompowsky Attack
1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4
The Trompowsky Attack has been played, and black decided to move their knight to the center and attack the bishop.
Variation: 2…Ne4 Details
After 2…Ne4, white has three main options: 3.Bf4, 3.Bh4, and 3.h4. The last option is one of the most aggressive alternatives for white. Play usually continues with 3…c5 4.dxc5 Na6 5.Nd2.
Other Key Defensive Options
Black has several options of responding to the Trompowsky Attack. Click the variations below to inspect the plans on the board.
♟ 2...d5 (Double Pawn Trade-off)
Occupies the center. White can take on f6, doubling Black's pawns, but giving Black the bishop pair.
🛡 2...e6 (Flexible Support)
A flexible move that avoids doubled pawns, frees the dark-squared bishop, and supports the f6 knight.
⚡ 2...c5 (Immediate Strike)
Aggressive choice that immediately strikes in the center to create quick counterplay.
2...g6 Variation
Black will play with a fianchetto on the kingside, regardless of the fact that white can take on f6 and double their pawns.