The Trompowsky Attack 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 is very popular among the white players. It leads to interesting imbalanced positions and the amount of theory is considerably smaller compared to the main lines with 2.c4.
As the majority of black players challenge 1.d4 with some kind of Indian Defense, starting with 1..Nf6, a reliable variation against the “Tromp” is in high demand. My favored weapon is 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 and I would be glad to share it with you.
After 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 Black has already defined his two fundamental winning ideas:
- Exploiting his superiority on the dark squares
- Opening up the position for the bishops
The advantage of having the bishop pair is considered to be worth 0.5 pawns. Hence, Black already has a substantial or static advantage. That’s why they say: “He, who owns the bishop pair owns the future.”
White on the other hand possesses more space and a slight lead in development, which can be translated into having a dynamic advantage. Basically, I prefer to play with the substance, as the dynamic advantage can be elusive. The burden of proof is on White to convert his dynamic advantage into something tangible. Otherwise, the future will be ours!
My repertoire covers the following lines:
a) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3 (intending 6.Qd2 and 7.0-0-0)
b) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.c3 (intending 6.Bd3, 7.Ne2, 8.0-0 and 9.f4)
c) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nf3
d) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6 3.Nf3
By transposition we have reached the Torre-Attack. Hence, this repertoire also deals with the Torre-Attack en passant!
e) 1.d4 Ng5 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nd2
That’s a relatively new attempt in order to circumvent the disadvantages of the other lines.
I would be glad to assist you learning this most ambitious line against the Tromp and play for a win with the black pieces!