Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense
The Classical Defense of the Trompowsky is 2...e6, where Black allows the f6 knight to be pinned and keeps ...d5, ...c5 and ...h6 in reserve. White can build quietly with e3, Nd2 and c3 or grab the center with e4, while Black aims for ...c5 and ...Qb6.
- Moves
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6
- ECO
- A45
- Engine
- +0.22 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 1,713 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 52.4%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- 3.e3 with Nd2 and c3 builds a sturdy triangle, as in 3.e3 d5 4.Nd2 c5 5.c3.
- The e4 push is the Big Center Variation, using the pin to grab a broad pawn center.
- 3.Nf3 transposes to Torre Attack setups with Nbd2 and e3 to follow.
- c3 supports d4 and prepares Qb3 to answer ...Qb6 against the b2 pawn.
Black
- ...h6 asks the bishop to decide early, before White can retreat to h4 cheaply.
- ...c5 hits d4 and opens the c-file, often followed by ...Qb6 against b2.
- ...d5 takes a share of the center and frees the c8 bishop's path.
- ...Qb6 hits b2 once White's c1 bishop has left, a common trick in the Trompowsky.
Plans and pawn structure
White builds with e3, Nd2 and c3, or grabs space with e4. Black plays ...d5, ...c5 and ...Qb6, aiming at d4 and b2. The pin on f6 can be broken with ...h6, and if White takes on f6, Black gets the bishop pair. The middlegame is calm, with plans based on the c-file and central breaks such as ...cxd4 or White's e4.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.22: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.22 3.e3 d5 4.Nd2 c5 5.c3 Nc6
- +0.20 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c5 5.Nbd2 h6
- +0.16 3.c3 c5 4.e3 cxd4 5.exd4 h6
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
1,713 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.4%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Classical Defense, Big Center Variation3.e4 · 761 games
How to play against it
As White, develop calmly with e3, Nd2 and c3. Avoid allowing ...Qb6 tricks against b2 before you have c3 and Qb3 ready. If Black plays ...h6, decide between Bh4 and Bxf6 based on whether you want to keep the pin.
Questions
What are the moves of the Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense?
The Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense starts 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 e6. Its ECO code is A45.
Is the Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.22 at depth 20, which is level. In 1,713 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.4%. Solid for both sides; club players should know how to handle ...Qb6 and the pin on f6.
What is the main idea of the Trompowsky Attack: Classical Defense?
Black plays ...e6 to prepare ...d5 and ...c5 while keeping ...h6 in reserve. White builds solidly with e3 and c3, or grabs space with e4.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is e3, with Nf3 and c3 close behind. 3.e3 props up d4 and keeps the bishop on g5.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.