Trompowsky Attack

Trompowsky Attack
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Moves1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5
ECOA45
Named afterOctávio Trompowsky
ParentQueen's Pawn game
SynonymsTrompowsky Opening
Opočenský Opening
Ruth Opening
Zot

The Trompowsky Attack is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. d4 Nf6
2. Bg5

White prepares to exchange the bishop for Black's knight, inflicting doubled pawns upon Black in the process. This is not a lethal threat; Black can choose to fall in with White's plan.

The Trompowsky is a popular alternative to the more common lines after 1.d4 Nf6 beginning 2.c4 or 2.Nf3. By playing 2.Bg5, White sidesteps immense bodies of opening theory of various Indian Defences like the Queen's Indian, King's Indian, Nimzo-Indian, as well as the Grünfeld Defence.