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You play White · the opponent mixes in the common replies.
The Trompowsky Attack is a clever way to meet 1...Nf6 with 2.Bg5, developing the bishop and attacking the knight before Black can steer toward a King's Indian, Grünfeld or Nimzo-Indian. By offering to trade or provoke the f6-knight, White sidesteps tons of theory and gets a fresh middlegame where understanding beats memorization. It's a popular practical weapon at every level.
The idea in one line
Play 2.Bg5 to pin or harass the f6-knight, sidestep Black's prepared defences, and aim for a comfortable game based on the bishop pair, doubled-pawn structures, or a quick central set-up with c3/e3.
Key ideas
2.Bg5 develops and immediately questions the f6-knight, cutting out the King's Indian, Grünfeld and Nimzo-Indian in one stroke.
If Black jumps to ...Ne4, White retreats the bishop to f4 (or h4) and keeps a flexible, sound position.
A common theme is trading Bxf6 to damage Black's pawns (doubled f-pawns) in return for the bishop pair.
It's a low-theory practical weapon: you reach unbalanced positions where general understanding outweighs deep preparation.
Plans for each side
White: Pin the knight with 2.Bg5, then choose a structure: retreat to f4 against ...Ne4, support the centre with c3/e3 and Nd2, and use the bishop pair or Black's structural concessions.
Black: Challenge the bishop at once with 2...Ne4 hitting g5, strike the centre with ...d5 and ...c5, and try to prove the early bishop sortie gives Black easy, active development.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't leave the bishop hanging on g5: meet 2...Ne4 by retreating to f4 or h4 rather than allowing it to be won.
Avoid grabbing material like the b-pawn (after ...Qb6, the b2-pawn) without calculating — these lines can get sharp.
Don't drift with no plan; pick a clear structure early (trade on f6, or play c3/e3) so the opening has direction.
The main line, explained
2. Bg5Bg5 — the Trompowsky. The bishop develops and attacks f6, dodging Black's main defences.
2… Ne4Ne4 is Black's most testing reply, hitting the g5-bishop and gaining a tempo.
3. Bf4Bf4 — the standard retreat, keeping the bishop active and the position sound.
3… d5d5 grabs central space now that the bishop has been pushed back.
4. e3e3 supports d4 and opens the f1-bishop; a solid, flexible set-up.
4… c5c5 — Black challenges the centre and frees the position; a typical, well-balanced middlegame results.
Frequently asked
Why play the Trompowsky?
To dodge theory. With 2.Bg5 you avoid the King's Indian, Grünfeld and Nimzo-Indian and reach positions where understanding the plans matters more than memorizing long lines.
Is the Trompowsky sound?
Yes. It's a fully respectable opening played by strong grandmasters. It won't refute Black, but it gives White a comfortable, fighting game with little theory to learn.
What do I do after 2...Ne4?
Retreat the bishop, usually to f4. You keep a healthy position, and the knight on e4 can become a target. Don't leave the bishop on g5 where it can be captured.
BetterChess is a practice tool — we make no guarantee you'll reach 1800 or any rating. The lines here are standard, well-established opening theory, and every move is checked legal with the same engine the board runs.