Trompowsky Attack

d4 Nf6 Bg5 Level: INTERMEDIATE

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The Trompowsky (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5) is an aggressive anti-system where White develops the bishop to g5 early, avoiding main-line theory and creating early imbalances.

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Key ideas

Develop Bg5 early; Create early imbalances; Avoid main-line theory; Put immediate pressure on Black

Strengths

Avoids main theory; creates early imbalances; surprise value; concrete plans; good for aggressive players

Watch out for

Can be met with accurate play; White must know ideas; less positional depth than main lines; risky against prepared opponents

Typical pawn structure

Early Bg5; various imbalanced structures

Common mistakes

Weak bishop; Allowing Black easy equality; Passive play; Tactical oversights

History

Named after Brazilian player Octavio Trompowsky. Popularized by Julian Hodgson and other GMs as a surprise weapon.

Famous games

Modern GM surprises

Related openings

d4 Nf6 c4 c5 d5 b5

d4 c5 d5

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit

d4 d5 e4 dxe4 Nc3 Nf6 f3

Budapest Gambit

d4 Nf6 c4 e5

Catalan Opening

d4 Nf6 c4 e6 g3

d4 d5

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